JUST a week after ringing Sir Alex Ferguson for advice on how best to utilise Robbie Brady in Hull City's final game of the season, Steve Bruce was yesterday digesting the end of an era.
"I suppose we just expected him to go on forever," he said.
Ferguson's 26-year reign at Manchester United, one to change the landscape of English football beyond all recognition, will finally conclude at the end of this season after news of his retirement was confirmed yesterday morning.
The 38 trophies won by the 71-year-old Scot set him apart as the greatest manager there has ever been, but right until the end there was still time for a former stalwart.
"It was only last week I called him about Robbie Brady playing up front," said Ferguson's former captain Bruce, ahead of City's promotion celebrations last night.
"I wanted to pick his brains about it and he said it was not a problem for Robbie, he can shoot with both feet.
"In his opinion that's where he plays best. 'Just give him a free run,' he said to me. I wish I'd spoken to him earlier!"
Ferguson's advice was heeded last week and City felt the benefit. Although Watford's demise at home to Leeds eventually made the Tigers' final-day result with Cardiff academic, switching Brady from left wing-back to the role of a withdrawn centre-forward worked wonders.
Another day could have seen Brady bag a hat-trick but there was little denying the rookie's contribution to an epic 2-2 draw.
City's return to the Premier League was confirmed on an unforgettable day at the KC Stadium and Ferguson's congratulations came the morning after.
"He texted me at 7.30am on Sunday to congratulate me," added Bruce.
"That's the best time to get him. No matter how early you would turn up at the training ground, his car was always there.
"He's quite unique. He's humble and he'll treat the groundsman with the same respect as his centre-forward.
"To still have that humility and work ethic after everything he's achieved is incredible."
Bruce is well qualified to extol the virtues of his former boss. After nine years together at Old Trafford helped deliver the first silverware of the Ferguson era, images of Bruce and Bryan Robson lifting the maiden Premier League title in 1993 were played on loop through much of yesterday.
Signed from Norwich City for £800,000 in 1987, the City boss was amongst the first arrivals of Ferguson's tenure. Before his exit to join Birmingham in 1996 Bruce had won three Premier League titles, three FA Cups, a League Cup and a European Cup Winners' Cup.
"He gave me the chance to play at arguably the biggest club in the world and I'll always be grateful for that," added Bruce.
"When you get that opportunity and then to be his captain, was beyond my wildest expectations.
"Everyone associates me with Manchester United but it was a long struggle for me to get there.
"From Gillingham to Norwich, to get that chance was just terrific. I remember him picking me up at the airport, that's the type of man he is."
Placed in context, 16 different managers have come and gone from Hull City during Ferguson's reign at Old Trafford. Brian Horton was midway through his time at Boothferry Park when the Scot was appointment as Manchester United boss on November 6, 1986.
A 13th Premier League title is Ferguson's parting gift and Bruce admits his former manager's achievements are a measure of the man.
"The one lesson I've taken into management from him is working hard to achieve," he added.
"Without that you'll fail. It doesn't come easy this job and you've got to work at it, and work at it.
"He's a winner and he surrounds himself with the same people. His demands are incredibly high and a lot of people can't handle it.
"But he knew that if you couldn't handle him, you couldn't handle Manchester United.
"Every time he wins, it's done and on to the next one. He's got an insatiable appetite.
"If you play for him, you want to win. And most players who have played under him achieve something. Winning thirteen Premier Leagues is ridiculous."
The prospect of returning to Old Trafford with the Tigers next season had Bruce joking it would like "going to war with a pop gun" after promotion was secured at the weekend, but Ferguson's exit may yet help him enjoy a happy homecoming.
"I think I've managed to beat every other team I've managed against but never Manchester United," he said.
"It will be quite surreal to think about Manchester United without him.
"Without question football will miss him. It's a better place with him in it that's for sure, but I hope he enjoys his retirement now."
