O'Neill: Fergie is the Don

Aston Villa boss Martin O’Neill has hailed Alex Ferguson as “the Godfather of The Premier League” and praised the way he has adjusted his managerial style to the demands of football clubs in the 21st century.

O’Neill, whose side visit Manchester United in the FA Cup clash third round tomorrow, views Ferguson as a “throwback” to the managerial greats of the past such as Bill Shankly, Matt Busby and Brian Clough.