Last Updated: Fri, 23 Mar 2012 13:19
Fulham boss Martin Jol admires Man United counterpart Sir Alex Ferguson - but is relieved he did not take up the post as his assistant.
The Dutchman takes his side to Old Trafford on Monday but, if things had panned out differently during the 2003/2004 season, he could have been sat on the opposite bench.
Ferguson revealed last year he approached Jol about becoming his assistant while the Dutchman was in charge at RKC Waalwijk.
The move was scuppered when the United boss got wind that his former number two Carlos Queiroz wanted to return from an ill-fated spell at the Real Madrid helm.
But Jol is philosophical about the missed opportunity and said: "At that time I met him only to have a conversation with him about everything. [The chance to become his assistant] was what he said afterwards. We talked football - they played Real Madrid with the 'big' Ronaldo - so it was nice.
"Later he said about the assistant manager post but I remember his assistant Carlos Queiroz went to Spain to Real Madrid. He was sacked so there was always a possibility for him to take him back and that is what he did.
"I think that was good because I don't think I am the best assistant in the world. I have a good relationship with [Ferguson]. If you look at the stats, he is probably the best manager ever."
Have you an opinion on this story? Put your money where your mouth is and claim a free £25 bet.
