LONDON (AP) — Tottenham manager Martin Jol became the third Premier League coach to lose his job this season, fired by the north London club just before Thursday’s 2-1 loss to Getafe in the UEFA Cup.
The club has won only one of 10 league matches to start the season, despite scoring 17 goals, third-most 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 Jacques Santini in November 2004, led Tottenham to fifth-place finishes the past two seasons, but he has managed only one victory against England’s big four — Manchester United, Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea — during in 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 semifinals of the English League Cup and the quarter-final of the FA Cup and UEFA Cup, losing the in the latter tournament to eventual champion 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 favour 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.
Despite his success the past two seasons, Jol apparently fell out with the Tottenham board over off-season 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 on Oct. 17.
Hugely popular with the fans, Jol player has been linked to coaching jobs at Ajax in the past.