SIR ALEX: ONE OF THE TRUE GREATS
After Manchester United's semi-final win over Barcelona, I was surprised to hear that it had been a full nine years since Sir Alex Ferguson had taken the club to a Champions League Final. In that time, they've had some really disappointing semi-final results. But now they're there again, Sir Alex will be overjoyed.

For now, he'll concentrate on reclaiming the title and only when that's sealed will he think about Moscow. Knowing him well, I'm sure he'll be so excited about being involved in an historic all-English Final. But he won't be satisfied with simply making it to the Final - he won't be going there to make up the numbers. Even in his later years, the desire of the man is second to none.

The image of Sir Alex in the press is a negative and moody one, but don't be fooled. He was a founder member of the League Managers Association and has worked tirelessly on our behalf.

The LMA is now a very strong body and a lot of that is down to Sir Alex. A man in his position doesn't need to put that work in but, because of his profile and his determination, he has helped us all.

If Sir Alex can go to Moscow and win the famous old trophy for a second time, he'll join Brian Clough on two European Cups - and that will mean everything to him.

He has standards, but won't dwell on the past. Even if he goes on to win both trophies this season he won't rest on his laurels. Don't expect him to suddenly think of retirement - all it will do is make him even more determined.

RELEGATION JITTERS
This Sunday is the last day of the season, and I feel for those clubs battling to stay up. It is a tough, long week.

You have to keep the players relaxed but focused. The prize is so big, preparation is all-important. The key is, if it's in your hands, don't put yourself in a position where you're relying on others.

I can remember at Bolton in 2003, we had to beat Boro. If we didn't and West Ham won against Birmingham, we were down.

We had a direct line in the dug-out from the West Ham game, because if things aren't going your way, you need to know so you can make the necessary changes.

It's a nerve-wracking time but luckily on that occasion, we won.

HANDBAGS AT THE BRIDGE
I was at Stamford Bridge for the United game and was amused to see Didier Drogba and Michael Ballack at each other's throats.

As a manager, you don't worry too much about that. It was a volatile match and these things happen. They hugged each other afterwards and that would please Avram Grant.

Remember: we're dealing with massive players and even bigger egos.

There's going to be a clash and if you look at it, they were only arguing over who should take a free-kick. Both would back themselves to score because they set such high standards for themselves as pros.

Drogba's free-kick wasn't bad in the end - but I'm sure Ballack will have joked in the dressing-room that he would have scored!