Paul Jewell says Sir Alex Ferguson praised his decision to quit Wigan - but the Derby boss expects the niceties to end at Old Trafford.Jewell walked out on Latics the day after saving them from the drop with a priceless win at Sheffield United in May, believing he had taken the club as far as he could.

The following day, he received a phone call from Ferguson, with the Manchester United boss telling the 43-year-old he had "made the right decision".

Seven months down the line and back in management, Jewell will again rub shoulders with the veteran Scot as he takes his rock-bottom Rams to Old Trafford.

Ferguson may have dispensed advice and good will back in May, but Jewell knows he will offer no sentiment on Saturday.

"He did call me the day after I left Wigan and said, 'Have a nice break, but don't stay out too long because people will soon forget you'," recalled Jewell, who has now been in charge of Derby for eight days.

"He wasn't the only one to do that, but it was good of him, while he also sent me a nice case of vintage wine, and for the purposes of this conversation I thought it was very nice!

"But come Saturday he'll want to batter us. That's the way he is and why he's at the top of his profession because when the whistle blows there is no sentiment with Alex.

"You have to admire him, though, and the length of time he's been in the game.

"I don't know if I'll be doing it at, what is he now? 82? I better be careful what I say.

"But he's as passionate about the game as when he came first came into it, and that's why he is still here.

"He doesn't have to do it, but he loves the job, loves football."

Jewell certainly appreciated Ferguson's kind words and gift of the case of wine, proving his generosity.

"I don't know Alex that well, but obviously I've huge respect for him," insisted Jewell.

"He tried to help me with a couple of signings last year, and he does take time out to call you.

"But then that's what managers are like. We've all got our job to do, but there's a huge amount of respect out there.

"Of course, you do still have to have a selfish side to you.

"When you're making decisions, you don't do so because of sentiment, you do it because you think it's best for your team.

"Alex is certainly not frightened of making the big decisions, and more often than not he gets it right."

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