Ferguson revives old partnership with Smith

ALEX FERGUSON has revived an old partnership with Walter Smith and hopes to revive Manchester United's title chase by yesterday appointing the former Rangers and Everton boss as his assistant until the end of the season.

The pair worked together when Ferguson was Scotland manager in the 1986 World Cup and Smith, an old friend from the 1970s, was his number two.

The appointment means Ferguson will have a close ally in the United camp for the next three months someone he can rely on for unquestioning support at a time when he is under pressure to both turn the team's fortunes around and deal with his Rock of Gibraltar battle with John Magnier.