A club statement from Tottenham has revealed that Martin Jol and his assistant Chris Hughton were asked to stand down from their positions with immediate effect this evening.
A chaotic night at White Hart Lane saw news of Jol's departure circulate during a 2-1 defeat to Getafe in the Uefa Cup, but initial suggestions that the Dutchman resigned do not tell the true story of the final moments of his three years in charge of the North London club.
A statement on their website reads: "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.
"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, who has faced criticism as to how he has dealt with Jol's position this season, explained: "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 took on the reigns at Spurs in November 2004 following the departure of Jacques Santini. The Dutchman had been drafted in to work behind the Frenchman just months earlier and the former RKC Waalwijk boss shone in the role and after narrowly missing out on Europe in his first year in charge he guided the club to successive fifth placed finishes.
Having been undermined earlier this year by attempts to appoint Juande Ramos behind his back, Jol has departed with a great deal of dignity and this evening has added to the statement, saying: “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.”
While it is reported that Ramos will indeed take charge at some point in the mean time the team will be coached by Development Coach and former striker Clive Allen and Youth Team manager Alex Inglethorpe.
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