We can confirm that the Board has this evening asked Martin Jol, Club Manager and Chris Hughton, First Team Coach to stand down from their positions with immediate effect.</p> We have not taken these decisions lightly or without recognition of the contribution both Martin and Chris have made to the Club. 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.” Martin 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.” We shall report in due course on new appointments to the coaching staff. In the interim, the First Team will be coached by our current Development Coach, Clive Allen and Alex Inglethorpe, our Youth Team manager.</p>
RE: Bad move getting rid of Houghton............ ....but surely blowing up Thurnscoe in the process made it worthwhile?!
Bold And Brave Move By The Spurs Board I feel they had to get rid of Jol though. He spent a fortune in the summer that was suppose to strengthen on last season. Instead they have taken a backwards step and the board have to do something whilst the team still have something other than relegation to play for.
In a way I do agree. They haven't been good this season, and although I don't think they would have been relegated this season, they wouldn't have made Europe. There are teams above them who have had better starts, already more points in the bag, and look likely european candidates - Newcastle and Villa to name but two. For a team like Spurs, who have spent so much money to NOT get into Europe would be a huge financial blow. Yes, they have had a good financial year (even after the millions Jol spent) but even so, for a team like Spurs you simply have to get into Europe. Most managers would be under pressure to get a top 6 finish having spent the money he has. When you consider he spent around £17m on Bent, when he already had Berbatov, Keane and Defoe, just didn't make sense. Midfield is an area they have struggled with since Carrick's departure, but even more so defence, and that is where the money should have been spent. Likeable guy, and he has done well over the past couple of seasons, but unfortunately, as Barnsley fans know more than most, managers don't get time to turn things around anymore - that is the modern game. Agree or disagree, that is what this game has become, wanting overnight success.
RE: Bold And Brave Move By The Spurs Board But, by all accounts, he wasn't the one choosing which players to bring in - for example he wanted Robben but the board wouldn't sanction it, comments on the radio this morning suggest it's the Director of Football (don't recall his name) choosing the players to bring in.
Well if thats the case then I feel even more for him. I can understand it though - I think that's the reason Santini left due to the DoF being the one deciding who to bring in.
