• Ryder Cup

Ferguson to deliver Ryder Cup team talk

Sir Alex Ferguson will give a motivational talk to Europe's Ryder Cup stars during their team dinner at Gleneagles on Tuesday night.

Ferguson arrived at Gleneagles this morning and watched the European team's practice, with captain Paul McGinley confirming his side are to be addressed by the former Manchester United manager.

"Although I am not a Manchester United fan, I always loved the way his teams played," said McGinley, who supports West Ham. "The more I met him the more it seemed a natural fit.

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Ian Poulter loves the Ryder Cup © Getty Images

• It is no secret Ian Poulter loves the Ryder Cup - just look at his record. American captain Tom Watson has already pinpointed his side must deal with "Poults" if they are to win at Gleneagles.
• Poulter will be as motivated as ever to prevent that from happening and at 5/1 with Unibet, he looks a great bet to finish as Europe's top points scorer. Odds of 10/1 for him finishing the tournament's top points scorer look equally as appealing too.
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"We have met a number of times over the last few months for lunch. He has asked me a lot of questions, he is a big fan of golf, but not everyone who will be in the room is a Manchester United fan so it should be interesting.

"This is part of the template. It's not something we're doing differently, and I think there's a lot to be gained.

"The whole idea tonight is not be a headmaster telling them what to do. He's very aware of that. Obviously, I'm aware of that, too. This is very relaxed. This is a conversation.

"There will be questions coming back at him. They all love football and a chance to spend a bit of time with one of the greats in soccer doesn't come around very often, particularly somebody they all admire.

"In my dealings with him, he's been absolutely fantastic and I know he'll be great with the players."

The decision to call on Ferguson sees McGinley following suit after his predecessors, Jose Maria Olazabal and Colin Montgomerie, also used Pep Guardiola and Gareth Edwards respectively to help inspire Europe to Ryder Cup victory in 2012 and 2010.

McGinley had hoped to keep Ferguson's appearance a secret in order to surprise his team. However, the Scot, Britain's most successful manager with 13 Premier League titles and two European Cups to his name, was spotted walking around the course with Europe's director of communications Gordon Simpson on Tuesday morning.

"He is a guy who I played with at pro-am about 15 years and when I became captain I asked if he would do it," McGinley added.

"He said he would, but asked that we keep it quiet. But then him walking around with Gordon Simpson is not keeping it quiet!"

Tom Watson has also brought in a famous sporting face to inspire his side, with NBA legend Michael Jordan to speak to the American team.

Sir Alex Ferguson is the most successful manager in British history © PA Photos

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