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Friday, 14 May 2010
Junior Boys' PE teacher Mike Duxbury has been back in the
spotlight appearing in 'When the Floodlights Fade' on MUTV.
The former Manchester United defender made almost 300
appearances for United in the 80's and twice won the FA Cup, but
has since swapped chaotic Saturday afternoons in front of a full
house at Old Trafford for coaching the Bolton School Junior boys at
cricket, athletics and swimming as well as his trademark
football.
The TV show catches up with former players, and Mr Duxbury spoke
about life since his professional football career ended, including
his passion for his teaching role at the school. He said: "We teach
the whole spectrum of sports and I enjoy that variety. But for me
it's not just about sport - it's the social and interactive aspect
with pupils and you get the whole picture with a child, helping
their development as young boys going on to young men."
Mr Duxbury has been at the school since 1996, apart from a short
spell abroad when he helped out with soccer schools. He said:
"Through word of mouth it became known that I was an
ex-professional. The kids had never seen me play but maybe their
parents or grandparents had and I was on the Championship Manager
computer games. They would come into school and say `Sir…I
transferred you last night or I bought you for my team'."
He was given his debut as a substitute at Birmingham in August 1980
and played alongside players such as Kevin Moran, Martin Buchan,
Sammy McIlroy and Lou Macari before leaving the Reds to join
Blackburn in 1990. Of his career with Manchester United he said:
"It was great being at a club the size of United but we just
couldn't win the league. We hoped we could have won a lot more
trophies but we were up against the great Liverpool team of the
80's. Funnily enough, I think I played about nine games at Anfield
and was never on the losing side - yet they always ended up winning
the championship. I have to say the most difficult opponent I faced
was Ian Rush. I remember playing against him in the reserves and
saw just how good he was. I do enjoy getting back together with the
old players at United at reunion dinners but I don't really look
back on my career. I'm busy with the teaching which I enjoy
immensely. "
Read the full interview with Mike Duxbury.
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