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Monday, 10 December, 2001, 08:23 GMT

Beckham's joy at BBC award

David Beckham at the BBC Sports Personality of the Year show

Beckham thanked the nation for voting for him

By BBC Sport Online's Lewis Wiltshire

David Beckham has told BBC Sport Online that he never expected to become so popular with the nation during the dark days of 1998.

The England captain was voted Sports Personality of the Year by BBC viewers on Sunday - capping a remarkable turnaround in his fortunes.

Award winners

Sports Personality: David Beckham

Lifetime Achievement: Sir Alex Ferguson

Coach of the Year: Sven-Goran Eriksson

Team of the Year: Liverpool FC

Young Personality: Amy Spencer

Helen Rollason Award: Ellen MacArthur

Overseas Personality: Goran Ivanisevic

Three-and-a-half years earlier, Beckham was public enemy number one after his red card in a World Cup game against Argentina.

Asked by BBC Sport Online if he thought during that time he would ever receive such an accolade, the Manchester United star said: "At that point in time, no."

Beckham went on: "And probably in the six months after that, I didn't expect it to turn around like it has.

"This award was voted for by fans and people in the country who watch the England and Man United teams play. That is who I thank for this award. It is amazing."

Beckham has won Premiership titles and the Champions League, among other medals, during his career.

But he said the tension of waiting to discover whether he was BBC Sports Personality of the Year gave him a headache.

"There was a lot of coverage in the papers about me winning it or not winning it but you don't find out until the last words are said.

We've made it an uphill task for ourselves, a very uphill task

Beckham on Man Utd's title chances

"It is pretty nerve-racking but I've enjoyed the whole night. I've got a little bit of a headache, that's how nerve-racking it was, but I've enjoyed the whole night."

Beckham's year with England included the 5-1 demolition of Germany and the 2-2 draw with Greece when he scored the crucial late free-kick which guaranteed World Cup qualification.

Of those moments, the skipper said Greece was the best.

"I've got to say the draw against Greece for me, I'm sure if you talk to Michael (Owen) it will be the 5-1," he said.

"It was a dream come true for me, to score the goal that takes your country through to the World Cup finals, and also to be captain and be at a club you've supported your whole life."

Beckham's Old Trafford manager Sir Alex Ferguson - also honoured on the night with a lifetime achievement award - has publicly given up on the Premiership title.

But despite United's poor form, Beckham does not agree with his boss.

David Beckham with Sir Alex Ferguson at the BBC Sports Personality of the Year show
Beckham thanked Ferguson after winning

"Of course not," he said when asked if he had conceded the domestic crown.

"As players we've got to believe we can still be in with a chance.

" We'll have to wait and see. We've made it an uphill task for ourselves, a very uphill task.

"But this team will come together and stay together as a team."

Did he know why things had gone wrong in the league?

"I really don't know, I really can't put my finger on it, it's just one of those things," he said, although he did rule out the uncertainty over Ferguson's successor being a factor.

Beckham paid tribute to Ferguson after being presented with his award on stage.

And he refused afterwards to criticise the Old Trafford chief for leaving him on the bench the previous day for the match against West Ham.

Respect

"All players need a rest or are left on the bench for many reasons," he said.

"It has been well documented this week. I want to play every game but that's not possible and when the manager decides to leave you on the bench then you respect that.

"I'm not going to question the manager for whatever he does. It's his decision and I do respect that.

"It's going to be an interesting year this year, being his last year, and it's going to be very interesting as to who is going to take over his role next year."