Jol won't fill Arnesen role

Tottenham coach Martin Jol today claimed the club would be 'mad' to ditch the continentalstyle management structure because of the imminent departure of sporting director Frank Arnesen to Chelsea.

Jol was also adamant he has no intention of doing both jobs and revealed he had already held talks with chairman Daniel Levy about finding the right man for Arnesen's role.

Jol said: "A lot of rubbish has been written about my wanting to do both roles at the club, if Frank does leave. It is a nonsense. The reason I can make a difference at our club is because I can focus on coaching this squad.

"If Frank does leave us then the club will have to find a new sporting director. The chairman and I have spoken about this situation and it is something he will take time with, to get the right person, someone who will work well with all of us. The structure works well so we would be mad to change it. Sometimes things like this make you stronger and even more determined." Meanwhile, Spurs will issue Chelsea with a hands-off Ledley King warning as a result of Arnesen's impending move. The clubs are in negotiations over a £10million-plus compensation settlement and Spurs want to include a clause which protects their star assets.

Spurs captain King was in talks with Arnesen over a pay rise prior to the Dane's departure so he knows the defender's contract situation. However, Chelsea say they could be prepared to let Scott Parker or Mikael Forssell join Spurs in an effort to end the row.