The last farewell. Clarets 22 1:3 Manchester United 22

Last updated : 18 August 2004 By David Clark

Star Geezer - Ryan Townsend
Stan bid his farewell to a crowd of almost 9,000 fans who came to say their goodbye's on a warm, summer's night at the Turf, Sir Alex bringing a team of all stars, both current and future for Stan's testimonial fixture.

Prior to the game, the crowd were entertained and then allowed their moment to pay tribute to Stan's close friends from the footballing world, MC Paul Fletcher doing a fine job on the "mike".

Taking their individual bows were Sir Alex, Peter Reid & Co, plus a host of Claret legends, before Stan emerged with his granddaughter to make a parting speech of thanks before the game got underway with Clarets playing in a special shirt and Brian Jensen in a vivid green number that made Sheffield United's recent away kit look positively dull.

In what was a largely tackle free game, played in friendly spirit, the first half saw two sides composed of familiar names. United to their credit, fielded Howard, Scholes, Bellion, NevilleP, Sylvestre & Giggs, whilst Clarets played a largely first team, missing Coyne, Duff, Hyde & Chaplow.

It was United who, for obvious reasons, posed the greater threat, their movement and quickness of thought a delight to watch in particular Giggs and Scholes, the latter stroking a glorious cross field pass after only five minutes when initiating the first attack.

Cotterill politely delayed his entrance, as the two teams sought to try and open up the defensive line ups, but it was largely tame stuff and even Howard was allowed to get away with standing on the ball by Blake on the quarter hour.

Mo Mo Mo Camara, wasted Clarets best opening on the half, his diagonal ball from inside the area was neither shot nor cross and the ball went harmlessly out for a goal kick.


Scholes' audacious lob caught out a static Clarets rearguard, Giggs was on to the training ground move in a flash and unsuccessfully claimed a penalty when his quick shot deflected off Townsend.

The two again combined minutes later and a slick one-two saw Giggs through on the Beast who stood up well to save from a frustrated Giggs.

Tim Howard was the first of many subs on the half hour, as the ground announcements began an incorrect naming process, before the opening goal arrived. McGreal's pass from defence was missed by Camara, the loose ball was quickly picked up and lobbed into the path of Scholes who finished in some style, volleying home into the top corner from fifteen yards.

Branch replied with a curling shot that was just over and Giggs tried an audacious lob from fully forty yards, the Beast being spotted out of his lair, before United doubled their lead just before the break. In his stride, Phil Neville took a pass into the area and whilst looking offside, finished from close range as a bemused home defence could only look to the linesman in despair. HT 0-2.

Sir Alex Ferguson (pictured at Turf Moor last night) kept star gazer Phil Neville on for the entire 90 minutes
Into the break and the Phoenix from the Flames was a rerun of that famous Ian Britton header from the Orient game, which finally hit the net at the fourth attempt. It was all good humoured stuff, though the hundred or so United fans must have wondered what was going on. Steve Cotterill made his intentions clear with a warm down of his seven first teamers before delivering his team talk on the pitch to his second half performers who were largely the reserve team squad for this season.

Similarly, United rested all their "stars" and the crowd, plus the watching MUTV audience, were treated to a second half that was more competitive with the youngsters keen to impress from both sides.

Pugh tested 'keeper Steele minutes into the half and Clarets were not to be rushed by the visitors, the new look Cotterill style of short passing and movement evident for all to see.

It became 0-3 on fifty five minutes. The impressive Eagles advanced quickly at the Clarets defence, played a one-two off Bellion, before despatching a cool finish past a stranded Beast into the top corner for the goal of the game.


The game progressed at pace, with some impressive play seen from both sides. In truth, United were the more dominant as expected, but Clarets youngsters largely kept their shape and competed well.

With gaps starting to show on both sides, Clarets had their best moment on seventy minutes, but the speed at which United recovered their defensive shape to smother the shot was impressive to say the least.

O'Neill made way, then so did captain on the night Roche after seventy five minutes, a large cheer greeting the incoming Chaplow whose touch, fluidity and awareness grow by the game.

The Beast made way for Hale in the closing stages before Clarets pulled back a goal from Pugh, finishing well after a ricochet fell kindly five minutes from time. It paved the way for a last rendition of "Stan Ternent's Claret & Blue Army", plus a chorus of "You'll always be a Claret". A nice way to end a game on a memorable night for Stan. FT 1-3.

Now let's crack on and see where it takes us.

Bums on Seats:- 8,814

Star Gazer:- Phil Neville. Clearly unhappy with being the only first teamer left to play the full ninety minutes, we had a nice little sulk from a glum Phil in the second half.

Beer Money:- Well for sixteen quid, this was certainly the most expensive reserve game I'll probably ever go to.

Star Geezer:- Ryan Townsend. The youngster seems assured and reliable. A first half pairing with McGreal and Sinclair seemed to go well and his second half role in his more familiar surroundings with the second string also saw a good all round display. Looks a bright prospect for the near future.

Champagne Tastes:- Stan's organising committee did him proud and the night of former heroes, stars and friends of Stan was both well organised and received.