SIR Alex Ferguson has always been generous to Cove Rangers and was one of the first to pass on congratulations when we clinched promotion to the SPFL last summer.
He was also among the first leading football figures to argue that Cove were worthy of the opportunity to play at the highest levels in the Scottish game.
The match programme for this weekend’s Ladbrokes League Two clash with Stirling Albion includes a feature on our friendly clash with Manchester United, then managed by Sir Alex, at Allan Park in 1992.
It contains an interview with Alex after that match, which United won 6-2, in which he urges those in charge of Scottish football to open the door to Highland League sides.
His verdict was based on watching Cove play in the Highland League Cup final the day before the friendly match – then seeing us put up a decent fight against a United side that include England  captain Bryan Robson, fellow England internationals Steve Bruce and Lee Sharpe, Scotland international Brian McClair and Russian star winger Andrei Kanchelskis.
Sir Alex said: “The cup final was outstanding entertainment.
“Cove then provided better opposition than many English non-league sides in the friendly.
“We were also far better treated here than we have been at some grounds.
“Cove could teach a lot of better known sides a thing or two about hospitality.
“That’s a testament to what can be done when you have a club with people behind it who have drive and ambition.
“The North clubs are often better run than many of the Division Two sides and they regularly show in the Scottish Cup they are capable of matching them on the field.
“I have noted there could be additions to the senior leagues if reconstruction proposals are accepted.
“Any new places must be offered to the Highland League, it will be a disgrace if they are overlooked again.”
Sadly it would take a further 27 years before Cove would finally make the dream step up, but, as the saying goes, better late than never.

YOU CAN READ THE FULL FEATURE ON THE 1992 MEETING WITH MANCHESTER UNITED IN THE MATCH PROGRAMME FOR OUR LEAGUE CLASH WITH STIRLING ALBION, WHICH WILL BE ON SALE AT BALMORAL STADIUM ON SATURDAY.