He was a popular figure during the majority of his time in charge of Tottenham Hotspur, and Martin Jol has finally won a domestic title, almost nine years after his acrimonious departure from White Hart Lane. Jol joined the Cairo-based side Al Ahly in February of this year, and the Dutchman has done a fantastic job during his four month tenure. Al Ahly captured the Egyptian Premier League title this weekend following a 2-1 victory over rivals Al Ismaily in the Egyptian classico. While my knowledge of Egyptian football is somewhat limited, I do know that the football is of a high standard, and that Al Ahly are the most successful club in the competition’s history. Although Martin Jol was walking into one of the top sides in the division, there was significant pressure on the former Ajax man, and with Al Ahly having to play their games behind closed doors due to security issues, Jol’s task was never going to be an easy one. Al Ahly are still involved in the African Champions League, with the club attempting to win that tournament for a ninth time.
Martin Jol did leave Spurs in the best of circumstances, and was harshly treated by Daniel Levy, with the Tottenham supremo having already lined up Juande Ramos to take over quite some time before Jol was given his marching orders. Martin Jol arrived in 2004 as assistant to Jacques Santini, but following the Frenchman’s resignation after just 13 games, Jol took over manager and had an immediate impact. Santni’s defensive brand of football was replaced with a free-flowing, attacking style, and Jol was handed the FA Manager of the Month award in December 2004 after guiding his Tottenham side to five victories in a row. The next two campaigns saw Spurs finishing fifth in the Premier League on both occasions, and Martin Jol establish himself as one of the very best managers in England. things turned sour in 2007 however, the Dutchman becoming the victim of his own success to some extent. Some big money signings were made, but they were brought in by the virus that was Director of Football Damien Comolli, something which completely undermined Jol’s position as manager.
Tottenham didn’t have the best of starts to the 2007–08 season, and Martin Jol was sacked following a 2-1 defeat in the UEFA Cup at the hands of Getafe CF. The rumour spread during the match, and the home fans knew the manager was on his way before he himself was informed by the powers that be. Jol had plenty of opportunity to leave Tottenham prior to this, with Ajax among the side’s courting his services. Martin Jol is arguably the most likeable Spurs boss of the 2000’s, and I’m glad he’s enjoying some long overdue success in Egypt.
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