Premiership: Fergie is 'better than ever'

Alex Ferguson is a better manager now than he ever has been. That is the implication of remarks made by former England coach Terry Venables, who believes all managers improve with age.

Speaking at a time when top-flight management is being dominated by the likes of Manchester United boss Ferguson and his Newcastle counterpart Bobby Robson, Venables stressed he is in no doubt that age is no barrier to success when it comes to taking charge of football clubs.

‘‘The older you become the better you are at the job,’’ he said.

Sixty-year-old Ferguson is set to stay on as Manchester United boss for up to three years, having had second thoughts about retiring from the management post.

Venables appears in no doubt his decision is sound. ‘‘Managers are being appreciated as the most valuable asset at a club with the realisation that with age comes experience and with that comes a greater chance of success,’’ he said.