Moyes is coy on his Fergie book ploy

ANYONE wanting a blueprint on how to win trophies would be wise to consult Alex Ferguson's autobiography.

Aside from the swiping and back-biting, the venerable Scot talks a lot of sense on how he has turned Manchester United into the all-conquering champions of Europe.

Perhaps it's no surprise, therefore, to hear that David Moyes has been known to use the book as a point of reference for himself.

During his time as Preston boss, the former Celtic star is rumoured to have pasted up extracts in front of his own players as a source of inspiration.

In true Fergie fashion, Moyes was coy about the practice when I broached the subject with him earlier this week.

But whether he's a disciple of the gospel according to Fergie or not, he's clearly one of the deep thinkers of the modern game.

"I do read quite a lot and, if I come across something I think is worth mentioning, then I'll do so," said Moyes.

"But I wouldn't say Alex Ferguson is a mentor.

"Maybe it's the fact we both come from Glasgow that people think that.

"But I've only met him at games a couple of times and our careers have followed different paths."

Yet whether he consciously imitates Ferguson and his methods or not, the similarities between the two are clear.

Both men are fiery, no-nonsense Scots, whose managerial philosophies are built on discipline and dedication.

And the creation of a siege mentality is fundamental to everything they are trying to achieve.

But both men are also great tacticians - football thinkers who believe preparation is paramount to success.

They leave nothing to chance, no stone left unturned, in their pursuit of being the best.

Moyes, for instance, meticulously built up a dossier throughout his playing days in what has now turned into his manual on management.

Tactics, training routines, and jottings on opposing players have all been logged in the knowledge that one day he would become the gaffer himself.

And, clearly, his confidence in his own abilty has been an integral factor in his smooth transition from player to manager over the last three years.

"I've not found management a great struggle really," said Moyes.

"I enjoy the job and I enjoy the challenge.

"I'd always planned and hoped that I would get an opportunity to manage or coach and I was very fortunate to get that opportunity here.

"I think Preston has always been a progressive club.

"Even when Gary Peters was in charge, I knew I was going to be the next manager long before anyone else did.

"And I'd like to think I've justified their faith.

"I have a very good chairman and board and I'm very fortunate to work for them because they don't interfere and just let me get on with things."

Last season, which, incidentally, was only his second in charge, North End looked certainties for promotion until they tailed off on the run-in and lost out to Gillingham in the play-offs.

But the former Celtic defender and his playing staff have regrouped, resulting in another strong challenge.

"The lads have done wonderfully well to get themselves back into a similar position but I think that just proves they are good players and we are a good side," said Moyes. "Obviously, it was a big disappointment when we didn't make it last year but it's well behind us now and we can only look forward.

"Now I think I have a better and bigger squad than last year and we are better prepared for it this time."

But those promotion credentials are sure to be put to the test against arch-rivals Burnley when they meet in a sell-out clash at Turf Moor today.

Manager Stan Ternent has also worked wonders since he took charge of the crest-fallen Clarets.

And with ambitious signings like Ian Wright, he too has fashioned his troops into genuine promotion contenders and one of North End's biggest threats.

"I think Burnley are probably one of the best sides in the Division so it's going to be a tough game for us," said Moyes.

"But, when you look at our away record, it's also a tough game for them too.

"I've said all along that Burnley are a top three side and I still believe that now.

"The arrival of Ian Wright at the club has given everyone a big lift and I'm sure he'll turn out to be a good signing for them.

"But my lads won't be overawed by that.

"We've played in front of big crowds here at Deepdale and it's another chance for the players to go out onto a big stage and show what they can do."

Whoever wins this afternoon will take another huge step towards the First Division.

But should North End win promotion come the end of the season, then Moyes could again become a target for the big boys.

The likes of Nottingham Forest and Blackburn Rovers have been linked with the Scot in the past.

And he was even touted as a possible assistant to Ferguson at United when Brian Kidd left for Ewood.

But the 39-year-old appears content with life at Deepdale at present.

"My ambitions are to stay on in football management.

"That would be a success in itself because we exist in a world where people are hired and fired very quickly.

"It's been flattering to be linked with a few big jobs elsewhere.

"But I think I've got a big, big job here and at the moment I don't see that changing.

"My work is ongoing and I'm trying to build things for the future here.

"Obviously, I want to win promotion this year and I think that's the only step I can look at at present.

"But my ambitions will no doubt change after that because I would like to establish Preston as a team in the higher divisions."

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