Blondel bites back at Pleat

Jonathan Blondel left Tottenham under a cloud as he headed for Club Bruges - and probable Champions League football next season.

Hailed as a great capture from Belgian club Mouscron - having established himself in the Belgian Under-21 side - Blondel made only three appearances under David Pleat, who was director of football at Spurs when he signed in July, 2002.

Blondel said: 'This season Pleat wanted to put me out on loan with Burnley, but I refused. I really wanted to return to Belgium, where I started.'

Pleat said: 'Although we had high hopes for Jonathan he has found it very difficult to settle and we all feel he will benefit from a move back home.'