Jol To Focus On Defensive Additions

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Tottenham boss Martin Jol has laid clear his plans for the summer as he looks to solve the problem of his side's leaky defence.

Spurs finished fifth in the Premeirship for a second successive season and enjoyed three lengthy cup runs, but it was felt that their lack of composure at the back was the main factor in their failure to seriously challenge for a Champions League place.

"I think if we do better defensively next season - I don't want us to concede the amount of goals we have been - we can do better," said Dutchman Jol on the club's website.

"We are on a good level and maybe we just need one or two little ingredients to be really top class. We will try and do that.

"If we can stop conceding goals from set pieces and be a bit stronger physically, I think we will only go forward and pick up more points."

Tottenham let in 54 goals in the league, which damaged the good work done by his goalscoring strikers, but much of the problem was due to the lenthy injury suffered by skipper Ledley King, who returned to the side for the final games of the season.

Goal.com - England - Jol To Focus On Defensive Additions

[bandini]

I'll put in down to English not being his first language but Jol sounds like an idiot here. I happen to like him a lot and think he's done a great job for Spurs but he makes it sound like he would "like" it not to happen next season and that we can probably let in fewer than 54 goals. He should give those defenders a whipping and be more serious about this. It's a downright disgrace to end up 5th and have such great cup runs and have a goal difference of 3

[Mighty T.A.L.]

Spurs target Bale and Baines

Tottenham and Manchester United will step up their chase for Southampton starlet Gareth Bale now that the South Coast club are not going to be in the Premiership.

The teenage Wales international was set to stay at the St Mary's Stadium if George Burley's team were promoted by winning the Championship play-off final at the end of the month.

But their heartbreaking penalty shoot-out defeat to Derby County at Pride Park on Tuesday means they will not be able to hold onto Cardiff-born Bale and the £8million bounty on his head can be redirected to strengthening the team for next season.

Spurs may make a move for Wigan's promising Leighton Baines if they fail to land Bale and have also been linked with Portsmouth defender Matt Taylor, who would love the chance to move to White Hart Lane as he comes from a family of staunch Tottenham fans.

Source: The Daily Mail