Sir Alex Ferguson was awarded the prestigious League Managers' Association Manager of the Year Award to cap off a brilliant final season with Manchester United.
Ferguson led United to their 13th Premier League title this season, and now walks into the sunset as easily the most successful British manager of all-time, with his final match being the stunning 5-5 draw at West Brom on Sunday.
"It has been overwhelming," Ferguson said after accepting the award in London. "The club has been fantastic and congratulations to West Brom with the way they handled yesterday (Sunday).
"In a way I am glad it is all over now -- because it has been hard work!
"I think (West Brom manager) Steve Clarke should get an award because anyone who scores five against United deserves it."
Ferguson won the LMA award for the fourth time in his career, making him the first person to reach that achievement.
"There is no doubt that the LMA Annual Awards are perceived as the most accurate measure of a manager's ability because there are no better judges of your performance than your peers," LMA chairman Howard Wilkinson said.
"Finding words to adequately describe the monumental levels of achievement and the indelible legacy Sir Alex Ferguson leaves in the game, is nigh on impossible.
"This evening's award adds yet another record to that list, making him the only person to secure the much coveted LMA Manager of the Year Award for a fourth time.
"David Moyes, his choice of successor to the Old Trafford throne, has won it three times and I know that Sir Alex will hope and believe that David goes on to equal and surpass the new record."
LMA chief executive Richard Bevan said it was fitting for Ferguson to win the award in his final season.
"It is entirely appropriate that Sir Alex should win the LMA Manager of the Year for a record fourth time following his recent retirement announcement," he said.
"As he retires as the most successful manager in the history of the British game we congratulate him on a magnificent career spanning over 40 years and more than 2,150 matches in football management, with achievements the likes of which we will never see again."
Cardiff manager Malky Mackay, whose side will play in the Premier League next season, was named the Championship Manager of the Year, with Yeovill's Gary Johnson and Gillingham's Martin Allen winning the awards for League One and League Two respectively.
