Jol: Newcastle are not in our league

Martin Jol believes Tottenham’s success over the last two seasons means it is impossible to compare them to Newcastle, their opponents this evening.

Pundits have grouped the two clubs together in the clutch of teams looking to qualify for Europe and eventually break into the top four of the Barclays Premier League.

Jol feels that consecutive top-five finishes mean Spurs have already reached the heights that teams such as Newcastle aspire to.

“We had European football for the last two years and they didn’t,” Jol said. “Why would they be in the same boat?

“It would be fantastic for them if they were in the first six or seven - playing European football next season would be a good achievement for them.

“We already did that twice so it’s different. We are in the group stages of the UEFA Cup and they would love to do that as well.”

Jol added: “It’s always about the end of the season. We finished above all the other teams including Bolton.

“The only conclusion you can make over the last couple of years is that teams like Aston Villa, Manchester City – they would be delighted to be in the top six.”

Dutchman Jol has defied the odds to keep his job at White Hart Lane, although they will stay in the bottom three if they do not pick up a point or more at St James’ Park tonight.

Spurs appeared set to change their manager after their infamous meeting with Juande Ramos, then after defeat to Arsenal a month ago it was widely reported Jol’s position would be reviewed during the international break.

They have not been defeated since their rivals beat them, and it is Jose Mourinho and Sammy Lee who have been the managerial casualties in the top flight so far. The international break last week passed with Jol doing his usual work at Spurs Lodge.

“Everybody was wrong,” said Jol. “I’m not someone who doubts. It’s confidence but it’s to do with what happened in the past – the results.

“We are in the last 16 of the Carling Cup, we are in the UEFA Cup and there are a lot of clubs who would like to do the same.”

He added: “There are peaks and troughs, one day you are marvellous the next day look at Robbie Keane (getting criticised) with Ireland, look at Steve McClaren, look at me.”

Striker Dimitar Berbatov took a knock on international duty but Jol is hopeful the Bulgaria striker will be fit.