Features

Great manager celebrations

Author: John Harris
Date: 15/10/2009
Football betting

Diego Maradona celebrated the goal which could secure Argentina a place in next summer's World Cup Finals by sliding down a rain-soaked touchline on his generous stomach.

But the Argentinian legend's reaction to his side winning 2-1 against Peru at the weekend is not the only example of great managerial goal celebrations.

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Sir Alex Ferguson, Manchester United in 1993 - Who can forget Ferguson's jig in celebration of a late Steve Bruce goal against Sheffield Wednesday 16 years ago.

A victory over the Owls was vital to United's hopes of a first league title since 1967 and, with the game entering injury time, Bruce headed an equaliser to sending Old Trafford into raptures.

Skipper Bruce then left the visitors stunned by heading in a winner even deeper into stoppage time to send a fresh-faced Fergie sprinting from the dugout, arms aloft, jumping for joy.

Only his assistant, Brian Kidd, could outdo him, ending his jump by collapsing to his knees.

David Pleat, Luton Town in 1983 - Pleat's famous response to his Luton Town side beating Manchester City at Maine Road to retain their First Division status was a breath of fresh air.

A late strike by Raddy Antic led to Pleat famously running all the way across the pitch like a lost child, hands waving in the air to no one in particular, before finding a group of Hatters players to mob.

Jose Mourinho, FC Porto in 2004 - Never one to shy away from the spotlight, Mourinho courted controversy for his reaction to knocking sportsbook favourites Manchester United out of the Champions League with FC Porto in 2004.

His solo run down the touchline, arms outstretched like a religious martyr, did not win him any friends at Old Trafford on his subsequent returns with Chelsea.

Bob Stokoe, Sunderland in 1973 - One of the abiding memories of the old Wembley Stadium is of the look of pure, unbridled joy all over the face of Stokoe after Sunderland had won the FA Cup Final.

Reacting to the victory of his Second Division underdogs over much-fancied Leeds United, the veteran manager - clad in beige raincoat and trademark pork pie hat - sprinted on to the hallowed turf.

He made a beeline for Jim Montgomery and then bear-hugged his goalkeeper after a stunning double-save effectively won the day for the Wearsiders.

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