PA
Former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson keeps the belt he was beaten with by his favourite schoolteacher who inspired him to greatness, he has revealed.
Ferguson said the "gritty determination" of the formidable Elizabeth Thomson who taught him as a boy rubbed off on him - along with the use of her belt - now a prized possession kept at his home.
"It's in my study," Sir Alex said, recalling his schooldays at Broomloan Road Primary in Glasgow for the Times Educational Supplement's feature, My Best Teacher.
"My grandchildren are terrified of it. Six from that belt and you were in absolute agony. I used to try to draw my hand away.
Sir Alex Ferguson
Alex Ferguson/Man Utd/Edwards(01 of43)
Manchester United's new manager Alex Ferguson (L) at a press conference at Old Trafford, with chairman Martin Edwards. * 05/11/2001: Sir Alex Ferguson celebrates 15 years as Manchester United manager, he knows he faces his toughest title challenge yet in the remainder of the season. *29/11/2002 : Martin Edwards has resigned as a non-executive director of Manchester United plc, Friday 29 November, 2002. In a statement to the Stock Exchange, United said he would step down from the position immediately and also revealed Edwards will retire from the board of the football club at the end of the current season.THIS PICTURE CAN ONLY BE USED WITHIN THE CONTEXT OF AN EDITORIAL FEATURE. NO WEBSITE/INTERNET USE UNLESS SITE IS REGISTERED WITH FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION PREMIER LEAGUE. (credit:PA)
Soccer - Alex Ferguson - Manchester United Press Conference - Old Trafford Manchester(02 of43)
Manchester United's new manager Alex Ferguson (L) at a press conference at Old Trafford, with chairman Martin Edwards. * 05/11/2001: Sir Alex Ferguson celebrates 15 years as Manchester United manager, he knows he faces his toughest title challenge yet in the remainder of the season. *29/11/2002 : Martin Edwards has resigned as a non-executive director of Manchester United plc, Friday 29 November, 2002. In a statement to the Stock Exchange, United said he would step down from the position immediately and also revealed Edwards will retire from the board of the football club at the end of the current season.THIS PICTURE CAN ONLY BE USED WITHIN THE CONTEXT OF AN EDITORIAL FEATURE. NO WEBSITE/INTERNET USE UNLESS SITE IS REGISTERED WITH FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION PREMIER LEAGUE. (credit:PA)
PA NEWS PHOTO 7/1/90 MANCHESTER UNITED F.C. MANAGER ALEX FERGUSON CELEBRATING WITH SOME OF HIS PLAYERS AFTER MANCHESTER UNITED ...(03 of43)
PA NEWS PHOTO 7/1/90 MANCHESTER UNITED F.C. MANAGER ALEX FERGUSON CELEBRATING WITH SOME OF HIS PLAYERS AFTER MANCHESTER UNITED BEAT NOTTINGHAM FOREST 1-0 IN A CUP ROUND AT THE FOREST GROUND, NOTTINGHAM (credit:PA)
Soccer - FA Cup Final Replay - Crystal Palace v Manchester United - Wembley Stadium(04 of43)
Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson celebrates with goalkeeper Les Sealey after winning the FA Cup. This was Alex Ferguson's first major trophy as Manchester United manager. (credit:PA)
Bryan Robson(05 of43)
20 May 1990: Bryan Robson of Manchester United and Manager Alex Ferguson celebrate after their victory in the FA Cup Final against Crystal Palace at Wembley Stadium in London, England. Manchester United won the match 1-0 after extra time. \ Mandatory Credit: Allsport UK /Allsport (credit:Getty Images)
Manchester United Manager Alex Ferguson(06 of43)
15 May 1991: Manchester United Manager Alex Ferguson holds the trophy aloft after the European Cup Winners Cup final against Barcelona at the Feyenoord Stadium in Rotterdam, Holland. Manchester United won the match 2-1. \ Mandatory Credit: Simon Bruty/Allsport (credit:Getty Images)
Soccer - Rumbelows League Cup - Final - Nottingham Forest v Manchester United - Wembley Stadium(07 of43)
Manchester United manager, Alex Ferguson (credit:PA)
Soccer - Premier League - Manchester United v Blackburn Rovers - Old Trafford(08 of43)
ALEX FERGUSON, MANAGER, MANCHESTER UNITED WITH FA PREMIER LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP TROPHY IN THE CROWD. (credit:PA)
Soccer - Sir Alex Ferguson 25 years in charge of Manchester United(09 of43)
File photo dated 03/05/1993 of Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson with the Premier League trophy. (credit:PA)
Premiership Title 1994(10 of43)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MAY 8: Ryan Giggs, Sir Alex Ferguson and Lee Sharpe of Manchester United celebrate in the dressing room with the Premiership Trophy after becoming FA Carling Premiership Winners in the 1993-94 season at Old Trafford on May 8, 1994. Manchester United 0 Coventry City 0 (Photo by John Peters/Manchester United via Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
MANCHESTER UN(11 of43)
8 MAY 1994: MANCHESTER UNITED MANAGER ALEX FERGUSON AND BRYAN KIDD STAND WITH THE FA PREMIERSHIP TROPHY FOLLOWING THEIR 0-0 DRAW WITH COVENTRY CITY AT THE OLD TRAFFORD STADIUM. Mandatory Credit: Shaun Botterill/ALLSPORT (credit:Getty Images)
FA Cup Final(12 of43)
11 May 1996: Alex Ferguson and Bryan Kidd celebrate after Manchester United's victory over Liverpool in the 1996 FA Cup Final between Manchester United v Liverpool at Wembley Stadium, London. Mandatory Credit: Shaun Botterill/ALLSPORT (credit:Getty Images)
FA Cup Final(13 of43)
11 May 1996: Alex Ferguson with the trophy after Man Utd's victory over Liverpool in the 1996 FA Cup Final between Manchester United v Liverpool at Wembley Stadium, London. Mandatory Credit: Shaun Botterill/ALLSPORT (credit:Getty Images)
Soccer - Sir Alex Ferguson 25 years in charge of Manchester United(14 of43)
File photo dated 12/05/1996 of Manchester United's Eric Cantona (left) with the FA Cup and manager Alex Ferguson with the Carling Premiership trophy on their victorious return to Manchester's Victoria Station. (credit:PA)
Alex Ferguson(15 of43)
11 May 1997: Alex Ferguson, the Manchester United manager holds aloft the FA Carling Premier League Championship Trophy after the match against West Ham United at Old Trafford in Manchester, England. Manchester United won 2-0. \ Mandatory Credit: Ben Radford /Allsport (credit:Getty Images)
Soccer - Sir Alex Ferguson 25 years in charge of Manchester United(16 of43)
File photo dated 16/05/1999 of Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson holding aloft the Premiership Trophy as he celebrates Manchester United becoming Champions of the Premiership at Old Trafford. (credit:PA)
FA Cup 1999(17 of43)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MAY 22: Sir Alex Ferguson celebrates at the final whistle with Roy Keane after victory in the FA Cup Final between Manchester United v Newcastle at Wembley Stadium on May 22, 1999 in London. Manchester United 2 Newcastle United 0. (Photo by John Peters/Manchester United via Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Alex Ferguson(18 of43)
22 May 1999: Alex Ferguson the manager of Manchester United celebrates with the trophy after the AXA FA Cup Final match against Newcastle United played at Wembley Stadium in London, England. The match finished in a 2-0 win for Manchester United and they completed the 'Double' for the third time in six years. \ Mandatory Credit: Ben Radford /Allsport (credit:Getty Images)
Bayern Munich v Manchester United(19 of43)
BARCELONA, SPAIN - MAY 26: Sir Alex Ferguson celebrates with the European Cup in the dressing room after the UEFA Champions League Final between Bayern Munich v Manchester United at the Nou camp Stadium on 26 May, 1999 in Barcelona, Spain. Bayern Munich 1 Manchester United 2. (Photo by John Peters/Manchester United via Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Alex Ferguson celebrates with Manchester United players and the European Cup(20 of43)
26 May 1999: Alex Ferguson celebrates with Manchester United players and the European Cup after winning the European Champions League Final against Bayern Munich in the Nou Camp Stadium, Barcelona, Spain. Manchester United won 2 - 1 with both United goals scored during injury time, to secure the treble of League, FA Cup and European Cup. \ Mandatory Credit: Shaun Botterill /Allsport (credit:Getty Images)
Barca 1999(21 of43)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MAY 27: Sir Alex Ferguson kisses the European Cup the morning after the victory in the UEFA Champions League Final between Bayern Munich v Manchester United at the Nou camp Stadium on 26 May, 1999 in Barcelona, Spain. Bayern Munich 1 Manchester United 2. (Photo by Matthew Peters/Manchester United via Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Man U v Spurs Fergie champions(22 of43)
This picture can only be used in the context of an editorial feature. Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson smiles as his side are crowned FA Carling Premiership Champions, after their football match against Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford. * Final score : Manchester United 3, Tottenham Hotspur 1. * 07/02/01 Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson smiling after his side are crowned FA Carling Premiership Champions. Manchester United today, Wednesday 7th February 2001 announced they are joining forces with baseball club the New York Yankees in a bid to tap into the vast untapped soccer market in America. (credit:PA)
Man Utd Ferguson & Keane(23 of43)
THIS PICTURE CAN ONLY BE USED WITHIN THE CONTEXT OF AN EDITORIAL FEATURE. NO WEBSITE/INTERNET USE UNLESS SITE IS REGISTERED WITH FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION PREMIER LEAGUE. Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson (left) lifts the FA Carling Premiership trophy with his captain Roy Keane after Premiership match against Derby County at OId Trafford, Manchester. (credit:PA)
Everton v Manchester United(24 of43)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - MAY 11: Sir Alex Ferguson passes the Barclaycard Premiership trophy to his captain Roy Keane after the FA Barclaycard Premiership match between Everton v Manchester United at Goodison Park on May 11, 2003 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by John Peters/Manchester United via Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Everton v Manchester United (25 of43)
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson holds the Premiership trophy after his side 2-1 win over Everton in their FA Barclaycard Premiership match at Everton's Goodison Park ground in Liverpool. THIS PICTURE CAN ONLY BE USED WITHIN THE CONTEXT OF AN EDITORIAL FEATURE. NO WEBSITE/INTERNET USE UNLESS SITE IS REGISTERED WITH FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION PREMIER LEAGUE. (credit:PA)
SOCCER Arsenal v Man Utd(26 of43)
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson celebrates with his grandson Jake after the 1-0 win against Arsenal, during the FA Cup semi final at Villa Park, Birmingham. THIS PICTURE CAN ONLY BE USED WITHIN THE CONTEXT OF AN EDITORIAL FEATURE. NO WEBSITE/INTERNET USE UNLESS SITE IS REGISTERED WITH FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION PREMIER LEAGUE. (credit:PA)
Manchester United v Millwall(27 of43)
CARDIFF, WALES - MAY 22: Goalkeeping coach Tony Coton, Kit men Alec Wylie and Albert Morgan, Nutrionalist Trevor Lea, Manager Sir Alex Ferguson, Masseur Garry Armer, Physio Rob Swire and Assistant Manager Walter Smith of Manchester United celebrate with the FA Cup after winning the AXA FA Cup Final between Manchester United and Millwall at the Millennium Stadium on May 22, 2004 in Cardiff, Wales. (Photo by John Peters/Manchester United via Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
SOCCER Carling_Final(28 of43)
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson celebrates with the trophy after defeating Wigan Athletic in the Carling Cup Final at the Millennium Stadium, Cardiff, Sunday February 26, 2006. Final score: Manchester United 4 - Wigan 0. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Photo credit should read: Gareth Copley/PA THIS PICTURE CAN ONLY BE USED WITHIN THE CONTEXT OF AN EDITORIAL FEATURE. NO WEBSITE/INTERNET USE UNLESS SITE IS REGISTERED WITH FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION PREMIER LEAGUE. (credit:PA)
Bolton Wanderers v Manchester United(29 of43)
BOLTON, ENGLAND - APRIL 1: Sir Alex Ferguson of Manchester United celebrates at the end of the Barclays Premiership match between Bolton Wanderers and Manchester United at the Reebok Stadium on April 1 2006 in Bolton, England. (Photo by Matthew Peters/Manchester United via Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Everton v Manchester United(30 of43)
LIVERPOOL, UNITED KINGDOM - APRIL 28: Manchester United Manager Sir Alex Ferguson celebrates with Cristiano Ronaldo and Michael Carrick following his team's victory, as Mikel Arteta shows his dejection at the end of the Barclays Premiership match between Everton and Manchester United at Goodison Park on April 28, 2007 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Manchester United v West Ham United(31 of43)
MANCHESTER, UNITED KINGDOM - MAY 13: Manchester United Manager Sir Alex Ferguson celebrates as Ryan Giggs (L) and Gary Neville of Manchester United lift the Premiership trophy after winning the Premiership title at the end of the Barclays Premiership match between Manchester United and West Ham United at Old Trafford on May 13, 2007 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Wigan Athletic v Manchester United(32 of43)
WIGAN, ENGLAND - MAY 11: Sir Alex Ferguson and Carlos Queiroz of Manchester United celebrate with the Premier League trophy on the pitch after the Barclays FA Premier League match between Wigan Athletic and Manchester United at JJB Stadium on May 11 2008, in Wigan, England. (Photo by John Peters/Manchester United via Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Soccer - Sir Alex Ferguson 25 years in charge of Manchester United(33 of43)
File photo dated 21/05/2008 of Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson with the trophy after the UEFA Champions League Final at the Luzhniki Stadium, Moscow. (credit:PA)
Manchester United v Liga De Quito - FIFA Club World Cup 2008 Final(34 of43)
YOKOHAMA, JAPAN - DECEMBER 21: Manchester United Head Coach Alex Ferguson celebrates after winning the FIFA Club World Cup Japan 2008 final match between Manchester United and Liga de Quito at the International Stadium Yokohama on December 21, 2008 in Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan. Manchester United defeated Liga de Quito by 1-0. (Photo by Junko Kimura/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson(35 of43)
Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson celebrates as he leaves the pitch after huis side had beaten Aston Villa 3-2 during the English Premiership football match at Old Trafford, Manchester, north-west England, on April 5, 2009. AFP PHOTO/ANDREW YATES. FOR EDITORIAL USE ONLY Additional licence required for any commercial/promotional use or use on TV or internet (except identical online version of newspaper) of Premier League/Football League photos. Tel DataCo +44 207 2981656. Do not alter/modify photo. (Photo credit should read ANDREW YATES/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Manchester United v Arsenal - Premier League(36 of43)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MAY 16: Manchester United Manager Sir Alex Ferguson (R) and Assistant Mike Phelan celebrate with the Barclays Premier League trophy after their side won the Premier League title at the end of the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester United and Arsenal at Old Trafford on May 16, 2009 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson(37 of43)
Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson celebrates after his team scored their winning goal during the English Premier League football match against Manchester City at Old Trafford, in Manchester, north-west England on September 20, 2009. AFP PHOTO/ANDREW YATES --- FOR EDITORIAL USE Additional licence required for any commercial/promotional use or use on TV or internet (except identical online version of newspaper) of Premier League/Football League photos. Tel DataCo +44 207 2981656. Do not alter/modify photo (Photo credit should read ANDREW YATES/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Fergu(38 of43)
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson celebrates with the trophy after his team beat Aston Villa 2-1 to win the 2010 Carling Cup Final at Wembley, in north London, on February 28, 2010. AFP PHOTO/CARL DE SOUZA (Photo credit should read CARL DE SOUZA/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Soccer - Barclays Premier League - Blackburn Rovers v Manchester United - Ewood Park(39 of43)
Manchester United Sir Alex Ferguson celebrates after winning the Barclays Premiership during the Barclays Premier League match at Ewood Park, Blackburn (credit:PA)
Soccer - Barclays Premier League - Manchester United v Blackpool - Old Trafford(40 of43)
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson celebrates with the Premier League trophy (credit:PA)
Soccer - Barclays Premier League - Manchester United v Sunderland - Old Trafford(41 of43)
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is given a guard of honour as he celebrates 25 years at the club (credit:PA)
London Olympic Games - Day 8(42 of43)
General view of the Sir Alex Ferguson Stand at Old Trafford (credit:PA)
Soccer - Barclays Premier League - Manchester United v Aston Villa - Old Trafford(43 of43)
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson celebrates after the final whistle (credit:PA)
"But that was the sort of punishment you had if you stepped out of line. In my case, it was usually for fighting in the playground."
Teacher and pupil kept in touch throughout his trophy-laden career in football with Rangers, Aberdeen and Manchester United.
"When she died, I couldn't go to the funeral because Manchester United were playing abroad, but months later I received a parcel," he said.
"She had bequeathed her belt to me. Her nephew sent it to me along with a letter that said: 'You'll know more about this belt than anyone'.
Sir Alex, now 72, built a fearsome reputation for disciplining his players - and referees - with his 'hairdryer' treatment.