Juande Ramos has emerged as the leading contender to take over from Martin Jol
following the Dutchman's departure as Tottenham manager yesterday.
Spurs announced after the UEFA Cup defeat to Getafe that Jol and assistant
boss Chris Hughton were sacked following the club's dismal start to the season,
although news had filtered through to fans during the match.
Jol waved to fans and there were songs criticising chairman Daniel Levy, who
famously was among the Spurs officials who met Sevilla coach Ramos at the start
of the season.
Ramos spoke of an offer from Spurs then vowed to stay in Spain for the rest of
the season, but bookmakers have stopped taking bets on him succeeding Jol.
Former Spurs midfielder Gus Poyet - currently at Leeds - has been widely tipped
to join as assistant.
They will have big shoes to fill after Jol managed fifth-placed finishes in
the Premier League during his only full seasons at White Hart Lane. They were
within touching distance of the Champions League two seasons ago but were hit by
a mystery virus on the final day of the season.
Heavy investment in the squad this summer - and retaining the services of
Dimitar Berbatov - saw expectation rise in the boardroom.
The aim was the top four but Jol could only manage one win with more than a
quarter of the season already gone.
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.
'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 added:'I can understand the position of the club in light of the results.
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.'
Development coach Clive Allen and youth team boss Alex Inglethorpe will take
charge of the first team for the time being.
Two defeats in the opening week of the season put pressure on Jol - then the
meeting with Ramos at the Alfonso XIII hotel emerged.
Jol appeared a 'dead man walking' from then. He was not helped by Berbatov
appearing moody, and the Bulgaria striker appeared to undermine his boss when he
looked reluctant to warm up as a substitute against Newcastle on Monday.
Jermain Defoe was also upset after finding himself out of the matchday squad
on occasions or used as an impact substitute, while Darren Bent has not settled
in following his £16.5million move from Charlton.
Their defensive problems surfaced against Getafe after Defoe had opened the
scoring in the 19th minute.
The Spaniards equalised immediately when Esteban Granero's free-kick from
around the 40-yard mark bounced in, with Ruben de la Red claiming the slightest
of touches.
Braulio Nobrega back-heeled the winner with 20 minutes remaining.
Getafe boss Michael Laudrup has been under pressure himself and felt for his
counterpart.
'Football is a hard world,' he said. 'One year you are fantastic, the next
you are the opposite.
'Given what he has done last year I don't think he will have a problem
finding a new job.'
