Fulham boss Martin Jol has revealed that he is glad that he rejected the opportunity to become Sir Alex Ferguson's assistant manager at Manchester United.
The Dutchman was offered the Old Trafford role eight years ago while he was in charge at Eredivisie side RKC Waalwijk.
He turned down the offer, which was eventually filled by Carlos Queiroz, and then became Tottenham Hotspur manager months later, via a brief spell as part of Jacques Santini's coaching staff at White Hart Lane.
Jol was sacked by Spurs in 2007 but he has since had successful stints Hamburger SV and Ajax.
He moved to Craven Cottage in the summer and has now claimed to be very pleased with how things have panned out in his managerial career so far.
"At that time I met [Ferguson] only to have a conversation with him about everything. The chance to become his assistant was what he said afterwards." said the 56-year-old.
"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."
Fulham visit Old Trafford on Monday evening.
Robert Summerscales
