*Spurs - Jol stays*
Tottenham Hotspur have confirmed that Martin Jol will be staying on
as manager, following a board meeting on Tuesday.
The Spurs hierarchy met to discuss the current situation at the
club, along with Jol, his assistant Chris Hughton and sporting
director Damien Comoli.
Jol's future at the club has been in some doubt after it emerged
that Sevilla coach Juande Ramos was a possible target for the club
- although the Spaniards have insisted he is not leaving.
Spurs have now underlined their commitment to Jol following their
board meeting.
Levy
backing
Chairman Daniel Levy has now confirmed that after specifying the
club's ambitions - Jol would be staying.
"We have had two good, progressive seasons with fifth place
finishes. I am an ambitious chairman, we are an ambitious club and
we want Champions League football at White Hart Lane," said
Levy.
"We, the board, owe it to the club and the supporters to constantly
assess our position and performance and to ensure that we have the
ability to operate and compete at that level.
"We have made a massive investment in the squad and as a result we
have the best squad of players this club has had for over 20 years
and they are equally hungry for success and silverware.
"For that we need our management and coaching standards to be of
the highest quality such that players can fulfil their potential
and we can compete with the best.
"We have discussed all of these expectations with Martin and he has
confirmed to me today that he feels he is equipped with a squad and
a determination to take on that challenge."
Jol
confidence
Jol insists his ambitions match that of the club's board and he
fully expects to meet their demands.
"We had a full and frank conversation and I fully understand the
ambitions of the club - they are the same as those of the
supporters," said Jol.
"He has put a lot of hard work into this Club and with the squad of
players we have assembled, it is realistic that we should look to
challenge for a top four position and I have assured him and the
Board that that is what I shall aim for.
"The last two seasons we have finished fifth and this season we
start with an even better team. So we should be optimistic.
"Yes, it is pressure to deliver, but that is what we managers
should expect. Hopefully all the media will relax now - all I shall
be concentrating on is each and every game."
