As a football daft youngster in Govan, or even years later as his stock rose at St Mirren and Aberdeen, it’s unlikely Sir Alex Ferguson would have imagined that he would one day be a visiting fellow at Harvard.

One also suspects he didn’t reckon then on becoming the most successful football manager ever. But that’s exactly what he achieved at Manchester United, and since retirement he’s been much in demand as an expert on leadership and success.

Business leaders like Alan Sugar and Sir Tom Hunter have sought his counsel, as has Scots tennis star Andy Murray. And last night the people of Sir Alex’s home city had the chance to hear him discuss the secrets of his success following the publication of his book on the subject, Leading.

The tome has already courted controversy, particularly around Sir Alex’s view that he only worked with four "world-class” players. But behind these headlines lies a fascinating insight into the qualities and attributes that set this Glaswegian apart, the reasons for his greatness. Budding football managers won’t be the only ones that may want to read the book - there are surely lessons to be learned for politicians and entrepreneurs, CEOs and teachers, anyone whose success depends on inspiring others.