Fergie told Pulis to manage Palace

Crystal Palace manager Tony Pulis has revealed Alex Ferguson was a key influence in his decision to take on the job at a time when he had considerable doubts about it himself.

When Pulis was confirmed on November 23 as the successor to Ian Holloway, things were not looking promising for the Eagles, who were bottom of the Barclays Premier League with just four points from their opening 11 games of the campaign.