Darren Ferguson follows dad into management

LONDON, Jan 26 (Reuters) Darren Ferguson followed his father Alex into management this week but believes he has little chance of emulating the achievements of Manchester United's celebrated coach.

''You just can't compete with what he has done in football so, you know, it's just not going to happen,'' Darren told Reuters.

''I am going to be my own man, start out in management in my own right and hopefully I can succeed my own way.'' Ferguson junior, 34, took over as player-manager of struggling fourth division Peterborough United after a 90-minute trans-Atlantic telephone interview with chairman Darragh MacAnthony, a British millionaire who spends much of his time in the US and Spain.

While his father concentrates on keeping Manchester United at the top of the Premier League and in the hunt for the Champions League crown, midfielder Darren's concerns lie with ending Peterborough's run of seven successive league defeats when they visit Lincoln City tomorrow.

''Something is wrong, of course, but most of it is confidence,'' he said. ''You could see that. I am happy with the quality of the players here but there are some changes to be made.'' BIG INFLUENCE Darren said his father had been a big influence but never interfered during his playing career, adding it would remain the same now he was a manager.

''Obviously I would be foolish not to turn to him for advice but I have been talking more to younger managers like Aidy Boothroyd (Watford), David Moyes (Everton) and Paul Ince (Macclesfield Town). It is definitely a young man's game now,'' joked Darren.

''My dad was an influence on me, of course, but this decision was mine, not his. I wanted to go into management because I feel it is in the blood. It is all I have wanted to do.

''When I was younger, at Manchester United, he was my manager and when I moved to Wolverhampton Wanderers and to Holland, then to Wrexham, he always watched my games. He helped me and gave me some bits of advice, and a few rollickings when I needed them.

''He was never interfering, more enthusiastic. He wanted us all to do well, me and my two brothers, in whatever walk of life we took.

''All of us have a good work ethic. We were brought up properly and I think that is important,'' said Darren.

Peterborough's new manager does not believe he will be as prone to the outbursts of bad temper in the dressing room as Alex has been during his 20 seasons in charge of Manchester United.

THROWING TEACUPS ''I think we are alike in a lot of ways, particularly things like work ethic and, definitely, I think my management skills and how we treat people,'' said Darren.

''But I don't think I'll be throwing teacups and things like that at people. But, you know, I think a lot of that is a myth and he's had his tantrums or whatever you want to call them, but there are managers out there who have done it 20 times more.

''It's just because of the name and the club that it is going to happen. But if you ask the players who played for him, they have all had great respect for him and look at them now,'' added Darren.

''A lot have gone on to become managers, Bryan Robson, Steve Bruce, Roy Keane, Paul Ince.'' Darren's strict upbringing and strong values have also helped him handle the pressure that has come with being the son of Alex Ferguson.

''I can't change my name, can I?'', he said. ''That has got its pros and cons but at least I know I can go to someone with that kind of experience for some advice.

''I know I am always going to have that name tag on me. It was the same when I was a player and it won't go away.'' Reuters SAM KP1252