WEST Ham manager Alan Curbishley has paid tribute to old friend and Manchester United counterpart Sir Alex Ferguson ahead of tomorrow's vital Premier League showdown at Old Trafford.

The pair have known each other professionally since Curbishley's early days at Charlton Athletic 17 years ago, and Ferguson has kept a close eye on his progress ever since.

And the Irons boss was quick to thank Ferguson for the influence he has had on his career, and those of other younger managers.

"He's the sort of manager that is tremendously busy and occupied but has always got time for you and always returns calls," explained the 50-year-old, who admitted he followed Fergie's advice before taking the Irons job.

"I first came across him when Charlton went back to The Valley and the youth team had got to the quarter-finals of the FA Youth Cup.

"We drew at Old Trafford and came back for the replay at The Valley and saw the state of the ground with portable cabins and only three sides.

"After the game we entertained him and I asked him for Phil Neville, who was 17 or 18, on loan but he said No, he's playing in the first team on Saturday' and he was.

"Over the years, he came back to The Valley and saw how it changed and progressed and I think both of us enjoyed the longevity of being in charge - he was the longest-serving manager and apart from Dario (Gradi at Crewe) I was second."