Spurs coach Jol wants leeway on bench ruling

TOTTENHAM coach Martin Jol has joined the growing band of Premiership managers who want a change in the number of substitutes available for use on match days.

Top-flight coaches are only allowed to name five substitutes at present, whereas most European countries allow seven outfield players to sit on the bench.

Jol’s side face struggling Portsmouth at White Hart Lane tonight and the Spurs coach would love to have an increased number of players to choose from to cover for all eventualities.

“In Europe there are 18 players involved but England is one of the few countries who have four outfield players on the bench,” said Jol.

“So, for example, I cannot have Wayne Routledge and Aaron Lennon on the bench because they play in the same position.

“I can’t say the rule is ridiculous because maybe they have a reason for it, but if everyone agreed to a change then it would be better for our choice.

“We have big squads now and that means you have to leave a lot of players out.”

Routledge, signed from Crystal Palace on a free transfer last summer, is hoping to make his comeback against Portsmouth.

The winger broke a bone in his foot against Pompey in the opening-day win at Fratton Park.

But Jol would not say whether the young winger would make his long awaited first-team return against Harry Redknapp’s side even though the player insists he is ready.

“He did well for us before his injury,” said Jol. “He has seen Lennon or Teemu Tainio playing in his position and he knows that I like players to attack the space on the flanks.”

Jol has one injury worry ahead of the game and that is a hamstring problem dogging England striker Jermain Defoe.