Fergie tells Solksjaer not to rush back

Posted Wednesday, November 02, 2011 by Supersport.com

Sir Alex Ferguson has advised former Manchester United favourite Ole Gunnar Solksjaer to bide his time before returning to coach in England after the Norwegian's title success with Molde.

The 38-year-old, in his first full season as a manager, guided Molde to the league championship on Sunday for the club's first title in their 100 year history.

His achievement led to speculation tying him with the vacant managerial post at Championship side Portsmouth but his former boss Ferguson reckoned he should remain in Norway.

"It is possible (he could return as a boss in England)," said Ferguson. "It just depends when.

"I don't think he should rush into it because experience is good and the experience he has got at Molde is a very good one.

"He comes from the area. His wife and family are all back home there. He has won the championship and there is no need to hurry. The time will come and the timing will be important but he is easily capable of coming into English football."

Solskjaer, who wrote his name into United folklore when scoring the last minute winning goal to clinch the 1999 Champion League title, is tailormade for management, according to his old boss.

"My knowledge of Ole as a student of the game is quite clear; every game he played and every training session he took part in he always wrote it all down," said Ferguson.

"That tells you his dedication to learn the game and also his attention to meticulous detail.

"That gives him a great start because you need dedication and sacrifice to go into management these days.

"He was a great player and a very nice person. Players will respond to him."

Ferguson revealed he jumped the gun with his congratulations, texting Solskjaer prior to the 2-2 draw with Stromsgodset on Sunday that secured Molde a place in next season's Champions League.

"All the players have been in touch," said Ferguson.

"I texted him on Saturday thinking he had won the league but he was playing on Sunday.

"It is a great achievement considering this is his first year.

"He had a great spell with our reserve team so he wasn't coming into the job blind but it is fantastic news."