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Spurs fire manager Jol just before UEFA Cup defeat

Martin Jol, manager of Tottenham Hotspur, watches the players warm up at White Hart Lane in London on Thursday. PHOTO: AFP

Tottenham Hotspur manager Martin Jol became the third Premier League coach to lose his job this season, fired by the north London-based club just before Thursday's 2-1 loss to Getafe in the UEFA Cup.

The club has won only one of 10 league matches this season, despite scoring 17 goals, the third-highest total in England's top league.

"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," Tottenham said in a statement.

The 51-year-old Jol, who replaced Frenchman Jacques Santini in November 2004, led Tottenham to fifth-place finishes in the past two seasons, but he has managed only one victory against England's big four -- Manchester United, Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea -- during his tenure.

"I can understand the position of the club in light of the results," Jol said. "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."

Last season, Tottenham reached the semi-finals of the English League Cup and the quarter-finals of the FA Cup and UEFA Cup, losing the in the latter tournament to eventual champions Sevilla.

"Given what he did last season I don't think he will have a problem finding a new job," Getafe coach Michael Laudrup said.

As news of the departure filtered through White Hart Lane during Thursday's game, fans chanted "stand up for Martin Jol," and the former Netherlands international stood on the sideline giving orders until the final whistle.

"For me, Martin and Chris' departure is regrettable," Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy said. "Our greatest wish was to see results turn in our favor and for there to be no need for change."

British media reports said Sevilla coach Juande Ramos was due to replace Jol, but Tottenham said development coach Clive Allen and youth team manager Alex Inglethorpe would take over on an interim basis.

"We shall report in due course on new appointments to the coaching staff," Tottenham said in a statement.

Despite his success the past two seasons, Jol apparently fell out with the Tottenham board over offseason transfers.

"I think that was a tragic day for Tottenham," former Tottenham manager David Pleat said.

Jose Mourinho was the first manager to leave his post this season, parting ways with Chelsea shortly after a 1-1 draw with Rosenborg in the European Champions League on Sept. 18. Sammy Lee left Bolton Wanderers on Oct. 17.
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