Sir Alex heading to the Fylde

Phones were ringing off the hook at SilverDell book store, in Kirkham, after it was announced as one of just five places set to host an evening with the highly successful manager.

Sir Alex, who won the Premier League title 13 times with United, will talk to radio presenter Mike Toolan at Kirkham Grammar School when he visits in November.

With just six people manning the phones, it was a busy day yesterday as they sold hundreds of tickets and co-owner Elaine Silverwood thinks it will not be long until they have all gone.

She said: “It has just been amazing – people have been ringing from all over the country.

“We have had people calling and then asking where Kirkham is!”

Elaine even had one person call all the way from Switzerland to book a ticket.

She added: “I think I need some chocolate and a sit down with a cup of tea.

“This is huge for Kirkham and for Lancashire.

“He’s only doing five events and we are the only independent.”

Tickets for the Manchester leg of Sir Alex’s tour, at the Lowry, sold out in just seven minutes – and the staff at Kirkham simply couldn’t answer the phones fast enough.

The store has a history of bringing major names to the Fylde coast but Sir Alex certainly ranks among the biggest.

He is widely considered one of the greatest managers in football history, having masterminded Manchester United’s recent success.

He took over at Old Trafford in 1986, guiding them to a series of league titles, nine major domestic cups and two Champions League trophies before he retired earlier this year.

He releases his new book, Alex Ferguson: My Autobiography, next month.

Tickets to see him talk on November 28, cost £40 and include a signed hardback copy of the 
book.