Sir Alex Ferguson presents Russ Wilcox with Special Merit Award... but repeatedly calls him 'Bruce'
Wilcox is honoured for his 28-match unbeaten run with Scunthorpe United but the former Manchester United manager mixes up his names as he presents waward
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Scunthorpe United manager Russ Wilcox was presented with the LMA Special Merit Award at Monday night’s awards ceremony, although the honour of being welcomed onto the stage by Sir Alex Ferguson was dampened after the former Manchester United manager referred to him as “Bruce” throughout his speech.
Wilcox was recognised for his incredible start to his Scunthorpe career having taken charge of the side in November last year, with United going on a 28-match unbeaten run from his very first game to break the previous British record for a manager’s first spell in charge of a Football League club.
The defeat to Exeter on April 27 brought that run to an end, but Wilcox had already surpassed the 125-year record set by Preston North End’s William Sudell in 1888-89, which was in fact the inaugural season of the Football League. He also secured promotion to League One at the first time of asking, having achieved the feat with the same club as a player, assistant manager and now a manager.
And in what was meant to be a nice touch to the presentation, the most successful manager in British football history would welcome Wilcox to the stage, only for Ferguson to call him “Bruce Wilcox” repeatedly, as The Independent's Sam Wallace reported.
However, all was soon forgotten as Wilcox accepted his award, but not before correcting the Scot on a rare mistake. “Fantastic research by Sir Alex but my name’s Russ, not Bruce,” said Wilcox, much to the humour of those in attendance.
The Special Merit Award is given to someone who has demonstrated exceptional personal achievement during the season, with a panel of managers nominating the eventual winner.
“It’s amazing, but you always have to be ready in football. I was ready,” Wilcox told the Telegraph, prior to the award ceremony.
“It’s been an amazing year, and I look back with so much pride to know I’ve achieved promotion as a player, assistant manager and manager at the same football club.”
Of course, it is not the first mistake Ferguson made this season, as the appointment of David Moyes as his successor proved to be a poor choice as United finished outside the European qualification positions in the Premier League for the first time since 1990, with Moyes paying the price as he was sacked in April.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments