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Daily Mail
2 hours ago
- Sport
- Daily Mail
THANK YOU, FERGIE! Rangers goal hero Findlay Curtis admits he will always treasure Sir Alex's kind words after Euro win
Findlay Curtis says he will treasure Sir Alex Ferguson 's words of encouragement after his first senior goal helped Rangers see off Panathinaikos at Ibrox. On just his second start for the club, the 19-year-old changed the momentum of the game early in the second half with a brilliant solo effort. With the Greeks then reduced to 10-men after Giorgos Vagiannidis was sent off, Djeidi Gassama marked his debut from the bench with a goal which handed new boss Russell Martin a two-goal cushion to take to Athens for next week's second leg. Manchester United legend Ferguson, who had visited Rangers' training base last week, was present at the match together with new chairman Andrew Cavenagh. The 83-year-old made a point of praising Curtis in person afterwards, a gesture Martin insists was the ultimate accolade and capped off the perfect night. 'He just congratulated me on my goal,' said the club academy graduate. 'Coming from a legend like him, I'll take it. 'Obviously, it's another dream come true, playing in the Champions League. 'I'm on top of the world. I've been here since I was six and I'm just delighted. I'm still speechless, to be honest. 'My mum and dad were both at the game, so were my girlfriend, her parents, my brother and sister and all my pals were here. 'They waited after the game. I could see my mum crying in the stands. It was a good moment.' Curtis' moment of glory came after Rangers had weathered a storm in the first half of Martin's first competitive game in charge. Keeper Jack Butland produced two outstanding saves in the first period with two more coming early in the second period just before the teenager struck. 'The first 10 minutes I thought we started well,' he recalled. 'Then there was a rough 10-15 minute period where it was dead sloppy. We came in half-time and had a chat about it and came back out in the second half and I thought it changed. 'Jack was excellent. He made big saves. I'd say it was just about confidence. We got the ball down, started playing our way. Obviously, that goal spurred us on to try to score more goals.' Martin's men are in the box seat in the tie, yet still have work to do if they are to progress to the next qualifying round where Servette - 1-0 winners away to Viktoria Plzen on Tuesday - would likely await. With temperatures in Greece potentially rising to 35 degrees, Curtis is adamant that nothing will be taken for granted. 'I've heard it's very hot, so it's going to be hard,' he said. 'It's just halfway in the tie and hopefully the boys get us through.'
Daily Mail
5 hours ago
- Sport
- Daily Mail
My Mum and dad were in tears when I told them I was starting... it was a good family moment! Rangers' blue-eyed boy Findlay Curtis opens up on his European heroics
Waiting patiently for his turn outside the media room a shade after 10pm on Tuesday night, Findlay Curtis' mind would have drifted back to the summers of his childhood. Some 13 years ago, he was a somewhat reluctant conscript to one of Rangers ' Soccer Schools. He recently confessed to being 'quite scared' at the prospect of going along, but the company of his elder brother proved persuasive. Kieran Reilly, a community coach, immediately liked what he saw. And so, the first step of a journey was taken. Still only 19, the forward's first senior goal on just his second start, against Panathinaikos, certainly won't be his last in light blue. But he's entitled to pause for a moment and look over his shoulder. Given the minuscule percentage of talented youths who manage a single first-team appearance, he's already distinguished himself. It's also not every day that you get a seal of approval for your efforts from footballing royalty like Sir Alex Ferguson. Curtis' name was already being whispered in the corridors at Ibrox long before he made his first-team debut as a substitute in a Scottish Cup tie against Fraserburgh in January. After the soccer schools came involvement with underage sides. A place at Boclair Academy, the club's partner school for elite youth players, allowed him to combine academic studies with football. He signed his first pro contract at 16, featuring for the under 18s and then the B Team in the cut-and-thrust of the Lowland League. Initially a striker, he experimented with moving out to the left flank two years ago and immediately looked more at home. While Philippe Clement claimed he liked what he saw, Curtis' big chance took a while to materialise. He wasn't involved on match days in the weeks prior to making his debut in the cup at the turn of the year, but set tongues wagging that day with a clever assist for Cyriel Dessers. He got further cameos at Old Trafford in Europe, at Tynecastle and against Hibs at Ibrox. His first start came at Pittodrie under Barry Ferguson, but the wind of change that blew through the club brought uncertainty. Under pressure to hit the ground running, Russell Martin wouldn't have been the first manager to pay lip service to playing academy graduates. His commitment became evident, though, when he named his side to face the Greeks. 'I found out I was starting on Monday morning,' Curtis revealed. 'The manager named the team. I was speechless. 'I texted my mum and dad, told them and they started crying. 'It was a good family moment. They drove me for 12 years down to Murray Park, down to Ibrox. All that credit goes to them.' Exactly a year ago, Findlay had been preparing to face Bo'ness United in the Challenge Cup with the second 11. Even for a 'cool cat' - as former Rangers' winger Neil McCann describes him - being thrust into a Champions League qualifier on the first night of his manager's reign took some digesting. 'My mum came through to me and said: 'You need to get some sleep',' he recalled of the night before the game. 'I was excited, so I didn't get much, but when I woke up on Tuesday morning, it was awesome.' Martin had warned that his first night at the office as manager would not be plain sailing, and he wasn't wrong. With the notable exception of Jack Butland, Rangers were poor in the first half. There were heavy touches and bad decisions everywhere you looked. Unable to piece meaningful moves together, Danilo was starved of opportunities in the box. Had the visitors been two goals ahead at the break, there could have been no complaints. Like most players in the home ranks, Findlay traipsed back up the tunnel with much to consider. 'Obviously Panathinaikos are a great side,' he reflected. 'I spoke with Nico (Raskin) and Joe (Rothwell) and they just said: 'Calm yourself'. 'The manager came to me at half-time and said: 'You're being positive, but just be more positive'. 'There were obviously some sloppy moments from me, which I take full responsibility for. I think it was just about passing the ball and taking touches on the ball. Knowing when to release, knowing when to dribble.' Football matches are decided by big moments at both ends of the pitch. Curtis had mentally reset himself and, shortly after Butland made another heroic stop at the outset of the second half, the teenager took the responsibility of changing the entire feel of the evening. Fed by Raskin, he cut in from the left, progressed and awaited his moment. The slice of luck he earned with a slight deflection was due reward for his tenacity. 'I was speechless,' he recalled of his first senior competitive goal. 'I think the first touch was the best part about it. Taking that touch, skinning the defender and putting it in the corner. That gave me the confidence boost to take the defenders on.' He wasn't finished there. Having shown Giorgos Vagiannidis a clean pair of heels on that occasion, he repeated the trick. The Greek collected a second booking. Further punishment would follow when Djeidi Gassama climbed off the bench and exploited the area which had just been vacated to score a crucial second goal. 'The one for the red card, I took a touch inside,' Findlay recalled. 'I think that confidence boost comes from just doing the right things and having the right habits.' He's been learning those since he first arrived at the summer school in 2012 - and will try to continue to soak up information like a sponge. It's been some time since Rangers had a poster boy for their academy. Now that talent has met opportunity, it looks like a new star has been born. Those sleepless nights might soon be experienced by the direct opponents who lie in wait. 'Obviously football is a difficult sport,' Curtis offered. 'It's about pushing people out of the way. I'm here to do that. There's a lot of competition in that dressing room, so I'll work my hardest to start games. 'My goal is to bring what the fans want. I want to try to win every game. I hope to start more games coming up in this season. 'It's down to the manager. Whoever the manager picks to start games, whether it's Saturday or the (second) game against Panathinaikos, I'll just work my hardest, tune in and hopefully perform. 'I've been here (first-team) since two pre-seasons ago now. The jump was hard at first, 17 years old and jumping from the under-18s through to the B-team straight into the first team. It was a big jump, but I think I've dealt with it well.
Daily Mail
a day ago
- Sport
- Daily Mail
Findlay's Fergie Time: Sir Alex hails Ibrox teenager Curtis after wonder goal puts Panathinaikos to the sword in crucial Champions League qualifier
Findlay Curtis fired Rangers to victory over Panathinaikos in their Champions League qualifier at Ibrox — and duly earned a pat on the back from Sir Alex Ferguson. The 19-year-old winger put Rangers 1-0 up shortly after half-time, cutting inside from the left and firing home to score his first goal in senior football. Substitute Djeidi Gassama made it a 2-0 win for Rangers on the night as new boss Russell Martin made a flying start in front of a raucous home crowd. Victory over the ten-man Greeks puts Rangers in a commanding position ahead of next week's return leg in Athens. Asked about the contribution of young winger Curtis, Martin revealed that Ferguson had spoken to the players in the dressing room at full-time. 'I think Findlay probably embodied us,' said the new Ibrox boss. 'In the first half, he was a bit tense. He was receiving too many balls in positions we don't want him to. 'But he's so willing and has such a brilliant character and mentality, and that was reflected in the rest of the group as well. 'I hope it's the start of something for him. He's just had words of wisdom from Sir Alex there, I don't think you can ask for any more than that. 'He has to keep his feet on the ground. I spoke before the game about why he's in the team, and I think he has the character and the mentality to play for this club, I really do. 'He had a sticky first half, like a lot of the guys, and to come through it, take on information at half time, and to run as he does, is brilliant for him. We have to make sure with Fin that it's just a start and that he keeps improving and keeps wanting to improve. That's the best bit about him, is his attitude and his willingness to learn.' Rangers endured a nervy first half which saw goalkeeper Jack Butland bail them out with a string of excellent saves. But they were much improved after the break and took the lead through young Curtis. Panathinaikos were then reduced to ten men when Giorgios Vagiannidis was given a second booking, with Rangers then piling on the pressure. Moments after coming off the bench, 21-year-old Gassama also cut inside and fired a brilliant effort beyond Bartlomiej Dragowski to make it 2-0. Martin was pleased his team managed to ride it out and get the win, but believes they will need to step it up again next week. 'Lots to like, lots to work on, but for a start, it was good,' he said. 'We started the game so well, and then after 12 or 13 minutes, we had scary moments when we lost the ball and tried to force things, [there were] too many transitions. 'For some of the players to feel that tonight, a few moments of difficulty, will help them move forward and improve. Even before the sending off, we were starting to grow. 'We needed Jack [Butland] a couple of times with a few big moments in the first half and he made a couple of brilliant saves. 'So it's half-time. We have to respect that we're playing against a really good team and they're going to be ready next week, and we have to be even better than we were tonight, and we will be. 'It's so early on, and we will improve from tonight. We will be better for it. 'I was really proud and really pleased with the players for the way they got through it, and also the crowd, for the way they stuck with the team through a few difficult moments, which was incredible. I think as a group, we'll be much better for tonight. 'I'm glad we've won rather than lost, but it's nowhere near finished. Next week will be a different experience for us; it'll be a different game to tonight. 'One thing I'm pleased about is we'll improve from tonight. So, next week's going to be different, a different game, a different atmosphere, so we have to be ready.'
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Heart-warming moment between Alex Ferguson and former stars
Former Manchester United players' love and respect for the club's most successful manager, Sir Alex Ferguson, is legendary. There was a heart-warming moment caught on camera between former players Rio Ferdinand, Michael Carrick and Ferguson as the two former stars were recording a podcast together. Golden era together The three figures were integral parts of United's golden era which saw numerous trophies arrive to Old Trafford. They all coincided at the club from Carrick's arrival from Tottenham Hotspur in 2006 until Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement in 2013. In that time, they won five Premier League titles, a Champions League, two league cups and the Club World cup in 2008. Podcast banter While Carrick was speaking on Ferdinand's podcast series, their interview was interrupted by their former manager. As the two former players were chatting, Ferguson approached the table and asserted, 'I'm not doing the podcast!' Ferdinand assured him that they were going to have a chat after and told him to grab a quick coffee as they finished. Carrick also claimed that they were just finishing and that they would grab some food with the boss after they had completed their chat. As the former manager was about to leave, Ferdinand joked with him, 'you haven't dressed for the camera, have you?', which drew laughter from the Scotsman. He then retorted that he would sit at the table next to them and 'just listen to the nonsense that you talk.' Moments later in the video, there is another hilarious moment when Ferguson's phone loudly rings in the middle of their podcast and both former players are left unsure how to react to the situation. Ferdinand posted about the interaction on X and commented, 'when the Boss (Sir Alex) walks in and interrupts your recording… wait till the end when his phone rings.' He also added, 'even after 12 years, we still can't find the courage to tell him off!!' Genuine bond from those glory years While many fans have got used to the poorer relationships between squads and more recent United managers, these interactions over a decade later demonstrate the immense feeling of belonging and brotherhood that existed in Old Trafford's dressing room during the glory years at the club. Featured image Gareth Copley via Getty Images Follow us on Bluesky: @
Daily Mail
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Watch the awkward moment Sir Alex Ferguson gatecrashes Rio Ferdinand and Michael Carrick podcast recording - before legendary Man United boss makes firm demand to former stars
Rio Ferdinand has shared the moment his former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson awkwardly gatecrashed the recording of his latest podcast. Ferdinand posted footage of him in conversation with his ex-Man United team-mate Michael Carrick, who has since embarked on a career in management. The clip showed the pair mid discussion, before Ferguson appeared in the background of the restaurant where they had set up to record. 'What's this,' Ferguson said upon seeing his former stars and the set-up to record the podcast, which is also part of Ferdinand's YouTube channel. Ferdinand and Carrick both immediately respond 'alright boss', before Ferguson quickly issues a demand to the duo. 'I'm not doing this podcast,' Ferguson responds. When the Boss (Sir Alex) walks in & interrupts your recording… wait till the end when his phone rings 😂 Even after 12 years, we still can't find the courage to tell him off!! Rio Meets Michael Carrick 👌🏽 — Rio Ferdinand (@rioferdy5) July 21, 2025 Ferdinand and Carrick were quick to reassure the 83-year-old, who has spoken infrequently since retiring in 2013, that the cameras were not there for him. 'No, no, no. We're going to talk after. You go and get a coffee, boss,' Ferdinand said. 'No, we're just finishing now,' Carrick adds, with Ferguson replying 'Oh, you're just finishing?' Carrick replied: 'Yeah, don't worry, this is not for you.' The pair continued to reassure the 13-time Premier League winning boss, with Ferdinand saying 'We're going to get a bit of food with you after. You've not dressed for the camera, boss, have you? You've not dressed up for the cameras.' 'Have a quick coffee, boss, and we'll be with you in a sec,' Carrick continued. 'Did you think this was for you? Ferguson offered a cheeky comment two his former Man United stars as he walked away to find a seat. 'I'll go sit over here, I just want to listen to the nonsense that you talk,' Ferguson said. Ferguson would ultimately interrupt the podcast recording again, with Ferdinand's clip revealing that five minutes later the former manager's phone loudly rang as they continued to record. 'It's fine, it's the gaffer, we've just got to get on with it,' Ferdinand declares when Carrick asks whether they need to record the section of the podcast again. Carrick and Ferdinand's reverence to Ferguson comes with the pair having won five and six Premier League titles respectively under his management at Man United. The pair were part of Man United's 2008 Champions League winning side, as well claiming two League Cups under his management. Ferguson has also been known to have passed on advice to his former players who have moved into management, with may have been a topic broached during their subsequent meal. Carrick had served as manager of Middlesbrough from October 2022 until his sacking back in June. He had guided the club to the Championship play-offs in his first campaign but suffered defeat in the semi-finals, before eighth and 10th place finished in his next two seasons in charge. Ferdinand's podcast with Carrick had included a discussion about Ferguson's impact on his career, as well as his time as a coach at Man United under Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjær.
