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Fergie tackles the classroom

Adam Derbyshire
22/10/2003

IF he whispered the secrets of his success to headteacher Bob Wakefield, then Alder Community High can look forward to a triumphant future.

More than 200 distinguished guests watched as Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson unveiled the plaque to officially open the newly-built school in Mottram Old Road, Hyde.

Tameside Mayor Councillor Margaret Downs applauded as Sir Alex joined education chief Councillor Joe Kitchen at the launch ceremony last Thursday.

Mr Wakefield said: "We are delighted Sir Alex kindly agreed to attend on the day. It meant so much to our whole school community."

Never will the man who led United to the Treble in 1999 have felt more at home than among the school's six badminton courts, all-weather floodlit pitch, large modern sports hall, gym, football pitch, and tennis courts.

After the unveiling, Sir Alex was taken on a tour of the 750-place school and warmly greeted a host of wide-eyed pupils on his journey.

Councillor Kitchen said: "It's a real coup for the students to get someone of Mr Ferguson's stature to open the new building.

"Thanks to its state-of-the-art facilities, Alder Community High is yet another new-look school we can all be rightly proud of.

"What we are trying to do with schemes like this is make the facilities available for the surrounding community to enjoy. And that is just what is happening here."

Recalling memories of his own schooldays in Glasgow, Sir Alex said: "Education is an amazing thing and once you've started to enjoy it, you can't stop absorbing it.

"It's like a sponge. I wish the school every success and I hope in 10 years time it will be very successful.

"Opening a school like this is one of those pleasures I look forward to from time to time. It's a breath of fresh air."