Chris is official legend ..even Sir Alex praised him.

Byline: By GAVIN BERRY

SIR ALEX FERGUSON has had his fair share of run-ins with refs during an illustrious managerial career.

So when Chris Muir received a letter from the legendary Manchester United boss congratulating him, he realised he must have done something right.

It was his staggering half-century career as a whistler that earned praise from Fergie - and Chris is not finished yet.

At age 65 he can still be found refereeing youth games at local parks around Bonnyrigg and home his milestone. The whistler, from Bonnyrigg, said: "Sir Alex played for Harmony Row at juvenile level and scored the winning goal in a cup final.

"The Edinburgh & East Referees Association recently gave me a party to mark 50 years as a ref and there was a great turnout.

"I got a lovely letter from Sir Alex saying 'You must have many a tale to tell, have a great evening and it's a wonderful achievement.' Chris has also encountered Celtic boss Gordon Strachan, Graeme Souness and Falkirk gaffer John Hughes.

But he got closest to Jim Jefferies after taking charge of the current Kilmarnock manager's Dalkeith and student matches at Peffermill.

Chris had a party in October to celebrate 50 years as a whistler and now he's the latest weekly winner - after being nominated in our Children's category - of the McDonald's/Sunday Mail Grassroots Awards.

But it's the letter of praise from Fergie - who was refereed as a kid by Chris - that really brought primary school match on his refereeing debut.

The relationship between the two flourished and Chris, a baker by day, even made Jim's wedding cake!

He smiled: "My first match was in 1958.

"I was nearly 15 and after injury cost me the chance to sign for Hibs I took up refereeing. I've loved every minute.

"Jefferies was playing for Wallyford Primary that day but I didn't book him.

"I later made his wedding cake and was at his marriage.

"He never gaveme stick - but he was a yap on the park!

"I've refereed all the senior stars over the years. Pat Stanton, Paul Hegarty, Souness, Hughes, Strachan - the lot."

Chris' landmark is all the more remarkable given he does not drive.

He said: "It has cost me money to referee. For the first 15 years I never got a penny.

"I got to games by bike, bus or even walked.

"I was asked once if I'd like to go senior but I didn't want someone sitting in the stand telling me how to referee or downgrading me if I made a mistake."

Alex Chapman, who nominated Chris, said: "Not many people have achieved 50 years of anything.

"So it's an outstanding feat by Chris and even at 65 he has still not handed in his whistle."

CAPTION(S):

Note perfect: Evergreen ref Chris Muir is celebrating 50 years' service and (inset) the letter of praise he received from Sir Alex Ferguson to mark the feat