Santini exit left Spurs in profit

Tottenham today released accounts which show Jacques Santini was not paid off last year.

The Frenchman was understood to have demanded up to £3 million after walking out over complaints about the club's management structure in November.

But Spurs have always claimed he was not due a penny and there is no sign of a settlement in their figures for the six months to the end of December.

Chairman Daniel Levy today dismissed criticisms made by Santini after he left and claimed the set-up under sporting director Frank Arnesen, which meant Martin Jol was promoted to head coach, has proved a success.

He said: "A positive start to the season was interrupted by the sudden departure of Santini.

"However unfortunate, as a result of many of the changes made throughout the club's infrastructure during the 2004 closed season, we were able to deal promptly with the situation.

"It is the continuity, teamwork and depth of planning that ensure we now have the ability to deal with the most challenging of situations."

Spurs' accounts revealed a pretax profit of £1m for the period despite a £300,000 drop in turnover to £32.9m compared to the same period in 2003. Gate receipts and broadcast income were also slightly down but the club still made a £5m operating profit.