JOL DID ALMOST COME TO OLD TRAFFORD

Last updated : 02 January 2005 By Editor

"Martin Jol was someone I was very interested in when I was looking for an assistant. I went to meet him and was very impressed with what he had to say.

"He was a coach I had a lot of admiration and respect for. He had done a fantastic job for Waalwijk, who are one of the smaller clubs in Holland.

"I had some very impressive recommendations. People I knew in Holland told me he was very aware tactically and when I spoke with him I could see that he was going places.

"I asked Martin to give me a few weeks to make a decision and explained to him that there were one or two other things I wanted to explore first.

"It was just at the time that I was thinking about bringing Carlos back to United, so it was a difficult one and I think Martin accepted the decision I eventually opted for.

"I knew it wouldnÕt be long before I would be hearing about him again and, although it was obvious Frank Arnesen knew all about him and wanted to take him to Tottenham, I was surprised that he initially agreed to go there with Jacques Santini as manager.

"Now he has got his hands on the reins you can see Spurs are developing very nicely. Martin has done really well since taking sole charge and I am expecting a tough game."