Ramos set for Spurs after Sevilla exit

Juande Ramos appears to be on the verge of becoming Tottenham’s manager after admitting it was “impossible not to leave” his post at Sevilla and move to London.

The Spaniard tendered his resignation with the Andalucian club last night, clearing the way for him to succeed Martin Jol as Spurs boss after the Dutchman was dismissed on Thursday night.

His parting statement on his personal website www.juanderamos.com did not mention Spurs by name but all the signs point to him being unveiled at White Hart Lane sooner rather than later.

He said: “My heart will remain in Nervion (the area of Seville where the club’s ground is located) but for my family and my profession it is impossible not to leave for London,” he said.

“To the red and white family of the Sanchez Pizjuan (Sevilla’s stadium) I only say to you that I could go very far away but, Sevillista friend, I assure you, that nobody will ever be closer to you.”

Ramos also looks to certain to be working alongside former Spurs midfielder Gus Poyet, whose future as Dennis Wise’s assistant at Leeds was thrown into doubt last night.

The pair’s initial task will be lifting the spectre of relegation that has haunted the club all season.

Sevilla confirmed Ramos’ departure last night on their official website, www.sevillafc.es.

It read: “Juande Ramos appeared on the third floor of the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan (stadium) to present a document in which he asked for his contract to be rescinded under clause 1006/85 at 22.35pm (local time).

“Ramos was accompanied by his physical trainer Marcos Alvarez, who presented the same document to the general director of the club, Jose Maria Cruz, in the presence of Ramon Rodriguez Monchi, the club’s sporting director.

“The now ex-Sevilla coach declined the possibility of giving a press conference at the club’s training facilities and has chosen his website www.juanderamos.com as a means of saying goodbye to Sevilla FC.”

Poyet’s appointment appears less clear cut after Leeds issued a cryptic statement announcing he would not be in the dugout for this afternoon’s Coca-Cola League One clash against Millwall.

It read: “In the best interests of the team he will not be in attendance at Elland Road for the fixture against Millwall to allow the players to fully focus on the game without any distractions.”

Spurs will attempt to appoint the duo swiftly as they look to salvage something from their season.

Jol’s assistant Chris Hughton was also dismissed in the shake-up, while goalkeeper coach Hans Segers was asked to step down with immediate effect yesterday.

Jol was expected to take a few days holiday before considering his options.

Spurs are less laid back about their own situation and Clive Allen’s appointment as caretaker for the Blackburn game tomorrow is seen as extremely short term, unlike when David Pleat took over for most of the 2003-04 season.