Jol leaves as Spurs lose
Martin Jol has left Tottenham Hotspur after three years in north London
Thursday, 25, Oct 2007 10:30
Martin Jol has been sacked as Tottenham Hotspur manager as his team went down to another defeat.
The Dutchman's future is believed to have already been decided before tonight's Uefa Cup group stage game with Spanish side Getafe.
But his evening will hardly have been helped by seeing his side's limp home 2-1 defeat against the La Liga side as he sat in the dugout for the final time at White Hart Lane.
Jol has endured a torrid season after it became apparent that the Spurs board were looking at alternative options and it appears likely that Sevilla's Juande Ramos will take over at the end of the season.
In a statement released by the club after the defeat, Spurs also confirmed that Jol's assistant Chris Hughton has been asked to stand down.
Speaking afterwards, chairman Daniel Levy said: "For me, Martin and Chris' departure is regrettable.
"Our greatest wish was to see results turn in our favour and for there to be no need for change. We feel honoured that Martin has been manager at our club, having seen us qualify twice for Europe.
"Chris has been with us since 1977, bar a three-year period, both as player and coach and he has been an excellent ambassador for the club. They have been professional, popular and respected members of the coaching staff and there will always be a warm welcome for them both at the Lane."
Jol had been expected to leave the north London club almost as soon as the season started but he kept a dignified tone at the end.
"I can understand the position of the club in light of the results," he said in a club-released statement.
"I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here. Tottenham Hotspur is a special club and I want to thank the terrific staff and players.
"For me the fans were always amazing with their support so I would also like to say thank you – I shall never forget them."
Spurs, who remain in the bottom three of the Premier League, said they will "report in due course on new appointments to the coaching staff".
Former striker Clive Allen is to take over in the interim period, supported by Alex Inglethorpe, the current youth team manager.