Fulham defender Kieran Richardson has backed Martin Jol and claimed the Dutchman ranks alongside the best managers he has worked under – including Sir Alex Ferguson.
Whites boss Jol came under increasing pressure from supporters following a poor start to the season before the victory against Stoke in their last league game brought some respite.
And Richardson is adamant Jol is the man to take the club forward.
“I’ve worked with one of the best managers in the history of football in Sir Alex Ferguson and I’m telling you now Martin is up there,” the former Manchester United man said.
“I think he’s fantastic. I’ve worked with Bryan Robson, Steve Bruce, Martin O’Neill – all people who have been in the game a long time – and Martin is one of the best managers I’ve had.
“His credentials are up there. He’s got great man-management skills, he’s a great coach and his understanding of the game is top-drawer.
“He’s hands-on so when you need a talk to give you a little lift he’s there to help you in that sense. And technically, with his coaching sessions, he has a very good intuition for the game.
“He always gets us up for games. He’s a great speaker. He has managed top clubs.
“He was what initially attracted me to Fulham and it’s been the same for other players.”
A section of Fulham supporters directed their frustration at Jol following poor results at home to West Brom and Cardiff, with some calling for him to be sacked.
But Richardson, 28, added: “I believe, and all the players believe, that he is definitely the manager to take us forward.
“I don’t want to see him get the sack. I don’t see the need to get rid of this manager.
“We’d all be upset and I’d feel like I’d let him down because he was the one who brought me here. The responsibility is with the players too.”
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This post was last modified on 20/10/2013
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