Pleat hopes Spurs boss Jol shows strength

David Pleat says he hopes new Spurs head coach Martin Jol will prove to be the “strong character” Tottenham need to revive their fortunes.

Spurs were rocked by Jacques Santini’s shock resignation on Friday and Jol, who previously worked as the Frenchman’s assistant, has been handed the reins.

Pleat, former manager and director of football at White Hart Lane, hopes Jol’s reign will leave a more lasting impression than his predecessor’s.

“I hope he’s the right man, they need a strong character,” Pleat told BBC Radio Five. “Santini seemed a rather doleful character, he never showed any animation or authority on the touchline.

“Spurs have the nucleus of a fine team. They have as much young talent as any club in the Premiership but they need someone to get a grip of that talent and get them to remember they are playing for the supporters, to have pride in their work and if those messages get through, they will be fine."