Jol Has No United Regrets

Martin Jol has no regrets over turning down the chance to become Sir Alex Ferguson's assistant at Manchester United.

Ferguson revealed in his autobiography, released on Thursday, that he wanted Jol, then manager at Dutch club RKC Waalwijk, to take over from Carlos Queiroz when he left for Real Madrid in the 2003-04 season.

Jol was interviewed by Ferguson and the Scot was impressed with what he had to say, but he ended up taking Queiroz back on soon after when he was sacked at the Bernabeu.

"I never wanted to (take the job)," Jol said. "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 (Sir Alex) 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!"