Sir Alex Ferguson feels Martin Jol is probably relieved his tortuous time as Tottenham manager has finally come to an end.

Ferguson interviewed Jol for a job as his assistant at Manchester United, having been impressed by the work he had done in his native Holland at RKC Waalwijk.

Ferguson was as saddened as anybody when Jol's exit was confirmed on Thursday.

However, having been subjected to the "drip, drip, drip effect" of speculation over his tenure, Ferguson feels his old rival might be glad it is all over.

"Martin has great qualities," said Ferguson.

"He is a decent man who has showed his integrity but he is probably relieved it is all over.

"I don't know the full ins and outs but we have all witnessed a drip, drip, drip effect right from the start of the season when there was talk of the people from Tottenham meeting the Seville coach (Juande Ramos).

"Whether it happened or not, it appeared in the press, so the press were continually on about the guy's future.

"The media were not doing that out of malice.

"I am sure they were getting information, tittle-tattle and bits of rumour. That is enough to exacerbate it.

"But it cannot be healthy that every day Martin turns the paper over, his future is being discussed."