FERGIE: THE MOVEMENT

Sir Alex Ferguson has more connections than King's Cross and, if his Manchester United side really are going to do the impossible and reel in Chelsea, now is the time for all members of the Ferguson fan club to come to the aid of the party.

After 20 years immersed in the English game, duelling and golfing with other managers, wooing and selling footballers, Ferguson boasts a managerial acolyte or former player in most Premiership dressing-rooms.

Sometimes it feels like there are two Fergusons, so regularly is the non-sleeping, life-loving Scot spotted at all manner of games, charity bashes and football functions. His contacts book is a Who's Who of the modern game.

Just as Ferguson has eyes and ears all over the Manchester area, feeding him information if any of his players stray, so he has hearts and minds across the footballing landscape supporting him.

Criticise Ferguson in public, and managers to whom he loans players or offers advice will call to berate an impertinent upstart.

Chelsea are not being chased by a team, but a movement. Calling all believers, Ferguson needs you.

Last Saturday it was Steve Bruce, Ferguson's old warhorse of a centre-half, doing him a favour by holding Chelsea at Birmingham City. Next Sunday it is Teddy Sheringham's turn.

Others in Claret and Blue have associations with Ferguson. Matthew Etherington, during his Posh pomp, was invited for a fortnight's trial at Old Trafford by Ferguson. Anton Ferdinand would love to help out brother Rio. Chelsea must negotiate a web of old alliances and blood-lines.

After that, Chelsea travel to Bolton Wanderers on April 15, home of Big Sam Allardyce, who three years ago famously spent a day golfing with Ferguson and then unleashed his team so stirringly against Arsenal that Arsene Wenger's side faltered and United moved closer to the Premiership.

On April 17, Everton and more Friends of Fergie loom on the horizon for Chelsea. Giving the team-talk will be David Moyes, whose admiration for his compatriot runs deep.

Snapping into tackles will be Phil Neville, who may resent his departure from Old Trafford, but still respects Ferguson. Phil will doubtless receive a lively text or three from brother Gary. Running at Chelsea will be Simon Davies, who joined Etherington on that trial.

Assuming the race remains alive, Chelsea finish the season with two fascinating away games, starting with Blackburn Rovers on May 2 when Mark Hughes, for all his recent differences with Ferguson, could help out a manager he once served so well. In midfield, Rovers also have Robbie Savage, nurtured (and released) by Ferguson.

And then comes the really astonishing twist in the tale. St James' on May 7 marks the final moment in the fine career of Alan Shearer, a forward who twice rebuffed Ferguson and yet, conceivably, could win the championship for Manchester United.

It surely cannot happen. All Chelsea need is for Mourinho to show some calm, for John Terry to remind the team of the howls of laughter that will accompany any slip-up by the Billionaire's Club, and for Didier Drogba to focus on hitting the net, not the deck.