It’s said that even the worst of humanity is of some use: to stand as exemplars for the rest of us. By this measure, the methodology behind the firing of Martin Jol stands as a fine example of how to lose friends and antagonize supporters. The only people to benefit from this fiasco have been the press (what would they write about without us?), our adversaries and Mr. Jol. The latter has garnered tremendous sympathy for the perception that he has been subjected to cruel and inhuman punishment by being publicly hung out to dry. And that was before he coached his last game while everyone else knew he was fired! I feel that Mr. Jol will now benefit from the response that Henry Cooper received from the public when he was adjudged to have lost his last fight to Joe Bugner. The perception that “Our ‘Enery” had been wronged ensured a special place in the British public’s heart—the support for MJ suggests he will get the same response.
In my view, whatever his shortcomings, Martin Jol deserves the kudos he has received from the rank and file fan. His Spurs certainly put a smile back on this ex-pat’s face and for that I will be eternally grateful.
However, it’s time to move on. As all Spurs fans “who know their history”, a firing of this sort can presage a variety of results. I was in the crowd the day Bill Nick announced his resignation and the upshot was relegation within two years. However, we fared somewhat better with Gerry Francis’ arrival taking us to the brink of a major breakthrough, only for our hopes to be dashed. I believe that the result of this hiring is difficult to call.
Ramos’s obvious pluses are a recent successful track record and the indication that his teams play attractively. Looking at his predecessors from Spain and Portugal, Benitez and Mourinho, they have succeeded in transferring their foreign success to England. However, both of these managers spoke English well and arrived at teams on the cusp of success. Neither took over in mid-season, faced by a demoralised squad in the relegation zone. Unlike both of these international success stories, Ramos does not have the luxury of a pre-season period or the ability to sign one or two key players that he can rely upon. All managers like to get their guys on board---Ramos will have to wait until January to even attempt to do so. My fear is that by then the pressure may be unbearable.
I do not know enough about Ramos to feel confident that he will bring success to the Lane. Sometimes a new broom can create sensational improvement in fortunes, partly from introducing a different methodology to a foreign country. We must hope for that miracle quick fix. Nonetheless, however one looks at it, the timing of his arrival is far from ideal. For example, I doubt Ramos has been keeping tabs on Blackpool in preparation for his first game. That, inevitably, brings us back to the handling of Mr. Jol’s departure and leaves this loyal Spurs fan shaking his head. We have to hope that, to bowdlerize the words of the immortal Bill Nicholson, those at Spurs who have set their sights very high (top four or bust!), will still hear the echo of glory even if we fail. Fasten your seatbelts—I have no doubt it’s going to be a bumpy ride.
Best Wishes from New York—Yours in trepidation and expectation, NYSpur