MOTD Just Got Better!

Arron · 25-08-2011, 01:20 PM

Sir Alex Ferguson set for Match of the Day return after ending BBC boycott

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson will be interviewed on Match of the Day after this weekend's game against Arsenal - the first time in seven years he has agreed to speak to the BBC.

Full story from the Metro:

Ferguson began his boycott in 2004 after the corporation aired a Panorama documentary called 'Fergie and Son', which made a series of allegations against his son Jason - an agent.
It had been reported the Premier League was considering fining the Scottish manager £1,000 every time he declined to speak to the BBC following one of United's matches.

However, such action will no longer be necessary - and means some younger fans will hear the thoughts of the Red Devils boss on the BBC's flagship highlights show for the first time in their lifetimes.

Today's announcement comes after BBC director general Mark Thompson and BBC North director Peter Salmon brokered a peace deal with Sir Alex during a recent meeting held in secret.

A statement released by the BBC on Thursday confirmed Fergie would be made available for the Match of the Day and Radio 5 Live, saying: 'Sir Alex and the BBC have put behind them the difficulties which led to Sir Alex feeling unable to appear on BBC programmes.

'Sir Alex will now make himself available to the BBC for Match of the Day, Radio 5 live and other outlets as agreed.

'The issues have been resolved to the satisfaction of both parties. No further comment will be made by either party on this issue.'

Against traditional rivals the Gunners, United will be looking to continue their 100 per cent start to the 2011/12 season in defence of their Premier League title.

The north Londoners, however, have endured a very different fate recently - losing 2-0 at home to Liverpool and drawing 0-0 at Newcastle on the opening day.

Although spirits were brightened by their midweek 2-1 win at Udinese, which secured Champions League group stage qualification for the 15th consecutive season.