Simon Yaffe

Jul 21, 2024 | the-sun.com | Simon Yaffe |Kealan Hughes

SHREWSBURY keeper Toby Savin missed out on a dream move to Manchester United — because he twice failed a medical at Old Trafford. The stopper, 23, was United’s preferred option to be their third choice as veteran Tom Heaton heads for a coaching position and Nathan Bishop moved to Sunderland last year. Savin was at League Two Accrington Stanley when he failed his first medical in January, having been watched by scouts from United, Newcastle and Tottenham over the past three seasons.

Jun 12, 2024 | thesun.co.uk | Simon Yaffe

THERE is strong competition for the most famous name among Richard Evans’ phone contacts. He knows that he can always dial Cristiano Ronaldo, Thierry Henry and Romelu Lukaku — and many more stars — for a chat. And he insists superstar Ronaldo is just “one of the lads”. Evans played for Bristol Rovers and Exeter, among other lower league sides, before he joined his boyhood club Swansea as a physiotherapist in 1999.

Mar 29, 2024 | thesun.co.uk | Simon Yaffe |Anthony Chapman

ALAN TONGE is making his own way in a brand new career after life at Manchester United. Tonge, 52, was the FIRST ever player signed by Sir Alex Ferguson, joining United as a 14-year-old in 1987. The versatile defender and midfielder progressed his way through United’s youth system before getting a professional contract in 1990. But Tonge was heartbreakingly released by the Red Devils a year later after Fergie informed him his deal would not be renewed.

Mar 29, 2024 | the-sun.com | Simon Yaffe |Konstantinos Lianos

SIR ALEX FERGUSON crushed one of his former players' dreams when he axed him just a few days after singing his praises. Ferguson is one of the greatest managers of all time following his stunning 27-year stint at Manchester United. Fergie won a staggering 13 Premier League titles, five FA Cup trophies and two Champions League honours before his retirement in 2013. And Sir Alex's success goes down to his smart tactics, good eye for talent and ruthless character.

Mar 27, 2024 | the-sun.com | Simon Yaffe

ALAN TONGE still carries the weight of that fateful day when Sir Alex Ferguson shattered his Manchester United dream. A local lad — who was Fergie’s first acquisition when he signed as a schoolboy in January 1987 — received the gut-wrenching news he was not going to be offered a new contract. It was the summer of 1991 when a then-19-year-old Tonge reported to the manager’s office at The Cliff, United’s old training HQ, where Ferguson informed him of his decision.