New Cardiff City boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer denies Sir Alex Ferguson warned him against taking job
Solskjaer sat alongside controversial owner Vincent Tan during yesterday's 2-0 defeat and has been named as Malky Mackay's replacement following his sacking last month
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been confirmed as the new manager of Cardiff City, having watched them alongside club owner Vincent Tan in yesterday's 2-0 defeat to Arsenal.
Solskjaer joins after three years with Norwegian club Molde in which he won two league title - the first in the club's history - and despite widespread interest in the former Manchester United striker-turned-manager from Premier League clubs, he has chosen now as the right time to return to English football.
The 40-year-old, who will celebrate his birthday next month, has been tasked with keeping the Bluebirds in the Premier League following their promotion last season, although the New Year's Day loss to the Gunners has seen them drop to a precarious 17th position, just a point above the relegation zone.
Solskjaer also dismissed reports that he had been given a warning from his former manager and mentor Sir Alex Ferguson, in that Solskjaer should choose to work with the right owner and not a club.
It has also been said that a reported £25m transfer budget is believed to have swayed Solskjaer's decision to take the reins.
"He (Ferguson) has wished me the best and given me some good advice as he always does. I had a good conversation with him," said Solskjaer.
"It is absolute nonsense (that he told me to turn down Cardiff)."
The appointment comes six days after Malky Mackay was sacked following the 3-0 Boxing Day defeat to Southampton, which brought to an end a drawn out ordeal that saw Tan issue a "resign or face being sacked" ultimatum to the Scot.
Mackay stayed true to his word in claiming he wouldn't resign, but unfortunately for him so did Tan, and he relieved Mackay of his duties in the aftermath of the comprehensive defeat at the Cardiff City Stadium.
The Norwegian has been appointed on a "rolling contract" which will see him take charge immediately, and his first task will be to negotiate the third round of the FA Cup this weekend, when Cardiff travel to the north-east to take on Newcastle.
Solskjaer also dismissed the reports that Ferguson had warned him in taking over the job, following the complete breakdown in the working relationship between Tan and Mackay. He did confirm though that he spoke to his former manager before choosing to take the job.
Solskjaer said: "I feel lucky to be back in the Premier League. I had to have a talk about it with the family obviously but it is a great opportunity."
"I have had good chats with Mehmet and with the owner, we have had a good dialogue.
"I go into this with my eyes open and I want the fans to be proud of us when we go on the pitch.
"I will only ask my players for 100 per cent which was hammered down to me with the gaffer and Roy Keane at Manchester United. We can forgive mistakes as long as we have a go and enjoy playing in the Premier League.
"I felt I needed to be back here and I want to stay for the long, long term."
Solskjaer also took a moment to praise his two predecessors in Dave Jones and Mackay, claiming that they will be tough to follow after the success they brought the club in recent years.
"The two managers before me stabilised the club. Dave Jones got them to a cup final, and then Malky brought them up and also got them to a cup final.
"They are going to be tough to follow, but I am glad to inherit the good squad that they moulded."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments