Jol keeps looking up

Martin Jol is aiming to turn Tottenham into title winners within three years.

Jol has steered the club into fourth position in the Barclays Premiership, meaning they will qualify for the Champions League if they win their remaining five games – provided Arsenal do not win the Champions League.

But the Dutchman’s side face a tough trip to Everton on Saturday, followed by an Easter Monday clash with Manchester United at White Hart Lane.

Tottenham have made immense strides under Jol’s leadership since he took charge of the club in the wake of Jacques Santini’s abrupt departure towards the end of 2004.

Now, with his side on the brink of qualifying to play among Europe’s elite next term, Jol insists he has the English title within his sights.

“My ambition and it is not easy, and maybe not realistic but I think in the next three years we could make a challenge to be champions of England,” declared Jol.

“Our fan base is probably bigger than most of the other clubs with more than one million supporters in England.

“So what I would like to do is challenge for the title – but I don’t know if it is possible.

“To do that we need consistency in the club and from the players. Our spine has remained the same with Paul Robinson, Ledley King, Michael Carrick and Robbie Keane, who is now here for another four years.

“That is probably an advantage over a lot of other clubs – having our British players.

“Last week there was not one single English player in the Champions League. So if we could do it, I don’t think it would only be for us as a club, but it would be a big achievement for English football as well.”

Spurs are four points ahead of Arsenal – who they meet on April 22 at Highbury - but Jol would rather focus on his own squad rather than the opposition.

But Jol revealed he’s spent all season identifying the personnel he requires to strengthen his squad still further in the summer.

“I think about it all through the season,” admitted Jol. “You assess what you need to make yourself better like Arsenal for example.

“We had a list before, Carrick was on that list, Aaron Lennon was on it, Michael Dawson and Andy Reid, and that is how we work. You try to get the players you want.

“Last year we needed a couple of experienced players and we got them in.

“Teemu Tainio had the choice of eight clubs but we got in early. Paul Stalteri was experienced and Edgar Davids as well. We tried to get that combination of youth and experience.

“The Champions League will be a big step for a club like Spurs but we are a European club.

“When I was younger, Spurs were the best club in Britain and we still have the same fan base and sell out every week. The fans are just waiting for us.”

Tottenham’s clash with Arsenal may well turn out to be showdown encounter for the coveted fourth place, but Jol says there is much at stake long before that clash.

“If the difference is only two or three points when we play Arsenal then it is possible for them to get in front, but it all depends on this weekend.

“Maybe the bookmakers still favouring Arsenal for fourth place makes us stronger.”