Martin on Frank

[Paddington Spur]

TOTTENHAM boss Martin Jol last night insisted he was not missing Chelsea-bound sporting director Frank Arnesen.

Arnesen is on his way to Stamford Bridge after only a year at the helm at White Hart Lane, but head coach Jol is putting on a brave face and said the club would carry on as normal once a replacement for the Dane was found.

"Frank wasn't on the pitch anyway so in that respect I am not missing him," said Jol. "He was good to work with because he did the academy and the scouting and that allowed me to focus on the team.

"He didn't interfere on the football side, we worked together, and that is why it worked well, and if we get the right person in to replace him then it is a good structure.

"It is about people working together and if you have that it is a good structure. We have to find the right person because if we don't get along it won't work."

Jol was on holiday in Mauritius at the beginning of last month when he heard the shock news that Arnesen was quitting.

He said: "I had a good summer but it could have been better because I didn't know Frank was going to make that decision.

"When he rang me he said it was the most difficult decision he had ever had to make, and if you think about that you have to appreciate it because we are in a business where you have to make up your own mind.

"Chris Hughton, Clive Allen, me and Frank were all pals so that made it difficult, he was always a happy and sunny guy and was good to have around the place. I am over the surprise now - he made his mind up and that's okay with me. In any case it was five weeks ago and we are getting on with what we are doing."

Jol said he was hoping to give the fans a lift with a big signing and added: "We are working behind the scenes but it is not easy because with the players we want there are other clubs involved as well. It is very important for our team to get an experienced player."

Spurs head to Korea tomorrow on the back of a comfortable workout against non-league Stevenage, with victory coming courtesy of goals from Fredi Kanoute, Mido and Jermain Defoe. Spurs started the match with three of their five new signings on parade.

That quote in bold is exactly what I wanted to hear.

[hanuma]

martin jol seems like a top top coach and a nice man to boot....SMERTIN DIDNT DIVE THOUGH.

spurs are heading in the right direction and arnesens loss will not affect you really.....you will have a further 10 mill to add to your already rich coffers and he will have left behind a list of great youngsters yet to be found no doubt

+ you will definitely 'steal' in a chelsea way (which wasnt wrong) a new sporting director.

[Adalon]

any idea on who the experienced player he's looking for might be?

[Paddington Spur]

It appears to be Davids at this stage.

[sowf london spur]

Hello Daniel

[MUFC]

The big players just wont join spurs as Arsen said.