Reading boss Brian McDermott has revealed how Manchester United legend Ole Gunnar Solskjaer gave him the lowdown on Sir Alex Ferguson.

The pair met on a coaching course and McDermott was enthralled by the Norwegian legend's stories of Sir Alex's man-management techniques.

He said: "I did my pro licence with Ole and he was talking about how Sir Alex was great with not just the No.1, but the No.30 - they all feel part of it.

"I then spoke to Sir Alex. The advice I was after is between me and him, but that tells you something about him - he wants to help the young managers.

"The hairdryer has not really come into my equation, though.

"You have to be fair and honest. I am friends with the squad, the staff, the players, but that is not to say I can't make big decisions."