A wheelchair-bound football coach from Keighley who wants to manage in the Football League got an endorsement from one of the best managers ever.

Sohail Rehman, 20, said it was “mindblowing” to receive a letter from Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson.

The 71-year-old Scot wrote to Mr Rehman after he gained his FA coaching badges and became a fully-qualified coach.

“It was mindblowing to receive the letter,” said Mr Rehman. “I have always had that blockage in my head saying I could not do it. But this letter has given me the belief. If a person like that can hear about you and what you have done, you shouldn’t doubt yourself.”

“I want to go to the highest level I can. My ambition is to one day manage a Football League club. I am only 20, so from now on all I can do is gain experience.”

Mr Rehman, who is a Manchester United supporter, was born with spinal muscular atrophy. He was able to walk on his toes as a young child but, at the age of 11, he started to get tired after a few steps and became confined to a wheelchair two years later.

He said: “I have always had a love for football and I always tried to play as much as I could. When I became wheelchair-bound at 13 or 14, I found it difficult. The thought of not being able to kick a ball was not good.

“Then someone suggested I do a football coaching course. I thought you would have to play the game to coach the game.

“I took it up straight away after it was suggested, but I still had doubts about it not working.”

Mr Rehman got a voluntary coaching role with a disabled sports and leisure club, and later started coaching football in Keighley with some learning support children.

“I did that for six weeks and I found it very easy,” said Mr Rehman. “I thought I could get my message across well. After that I decided to do levels two and three.”

He completed them and took up a voluntary role at Oakwood Juniors.

Mr Rehman, who is a member of the Manchester United disabled supporters association, said: “I am over the moon to have got all my coaching badges. I am going to carry on gaining experience with voluntary experience, and work in youth centres coaching football.

“I am waiting for an opening and I want to start local. I am going to apply for anything!”

The letter from Fergie read: “Dear Sohail, I am writing to congratulate you on passing your coaching badges and becoming a qualified football coach. It never ceases to amaze me the enthusiasm and effort people put into the game and more importantly in giving their time. May I take this opportunity to wish you all the best for the remainder of the season. Well done!”