No Regrets: Martin Jol relieved he turned down Ferguson assistant role

Alex Ferguson, Martin Jol (R)

Fulham boss Martin Jol says he does not regret turning the chance to become Sir Alex Ferguson’s assistant at Manchester United after the former Red Devils boss disclosed the approach in his autobiography.

Ferguson revealed that he approached the Dutchman, then at RKC Waalwijk, in 2003 when former assistant Carlos Queiroz left for Real Madrid.

Jol recounted his interview with Ferguson, who was impressed according to his autobiography but elected to reappoint Queiroz later that season.

“I never wanted to [take the job],” Jol told the Daily Mirror. “I don’t think I am someone who can work as an assistant. If you look at the coaches who were with him – it was not easy for them to [become a number one].

“Queiroz was probably the exception to the rule. The rest stayed as an assistant. Rene Meulensteen is still struggling to be a number one somewhere now.

“It was always nice to talk to him because he is a good man. But don’t forget that he is Scottish so I had to pay for my own ticket! He never gave me my money back!”

Jol’s Fulham had intially struggled in the early stages of the season but bounced back to form recently winning two games on the trot with Pajtim Kasami a revelation in attack, notching two goals – including a stunning effort against Crystal Palace.

Fulham have only had more possession than their opponents in the Premier League in two out of their eight games.