Jol: Spurs sales have ruined our chances

Sunday, October 7, 2012
9:42 AM

Fulham boss Martin Jol has rued the sales of Clint Dempsey and Mousa Dembele to Tottenham, saying they have cost the Cottagers a shot at the top six.

The star pair left Craven Cottage in the last week of the transfer window, much to Jol’s frustration.

Fulham brought in Dimitar Berbatov from Manchester United to compensate, but Jol admits he was desperate to keep Dempsey and Dembele.

“I have to be honest – that transfer window was the worst ever because I really hoped to keep my best players,” Jol said.

“We beat Norwich five-nil in the first game of the season and I thought this is my best squad.

“I also knew Dimitar Berbatov was on the fringes and felt, if we add him, we can go for the top six.

“I really thought that. But then in a couple of days it all changed. I can’t say I relished the situation at all. I was very frustrated.

“Now the aim is for us to get to forty points as quickly as possible.

“It may sound obvious but that’s the target – and I think it is the same focus for another 12 clubs in the league.”