SOME of football's biggest names hit the golf course to pay tribute to former Burnley manager Stan Ternent.

And, in typical style, he managed to cut them all down to size -- courtesy of some tough holes at the town's golf club.

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson, who took a star-studded side to Turf Moor for his great friend's testimonial last night, may be one of the best managers in the game.

But his golf handicap of 20 left him cursing the stiff test Ternent had laid down for his illustrious counterparts.

"It's an honour to come and play golf with Stan, but he didn't warn me he'd picked a commando course," laughed Ferguson as Glen View's picturesque opening hole claimed an early victim.

However, Ferguson was far more at ease strolling up the fairway, discussing his long-standing friendship with Ternent.

The former Aberdeen boss said: "When I first came down from Scotland, I was seeing the same faces at games and that's when I started to get to know Stan.

"I think some managers don't always get the credit for what they achieve and that goes for Stan.

"His work ethic and the sacrifices he has made in his life are there for everyone to see and as soon as I heard he lost his job, I wanted to help because I felt the work he had done at Burnley deserved support."

Ferguson added: "He is an unbelievable character. I've loaned him some players over the past couple of years simply because he used to phone me every Monday morning.

"I'd get the whole 90 minutes from the weekend - free kicks, throw-ins ... the lot. I'd end up on the phone half an hour, but despite that he's a star."

Ternent, whose six-year reign as Clarets manager ended this summer, added: "It was wonderful to see so many names here and I feel really humbled."

Premiership managers Sam Allardyce, Steve Bruce and David Moyes joined a host of star names at the event, which was also supported by former England captain Bryan Robson, Wolves boss Dave Jones, Ternent's former assistant Sam Ellis and ex-Burnley favourites Steve Kindon, Gordon Armstrong, Peter Noble, Willie Irvine and Frank Casper.

A Man Utd side including stars such as Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes ran out 3-1 winners at last night's testimonial match.