Source: Team_Talk
Jol disappointed by Ajax stance
Martin Jol has revealed his disappointment that Ajax blocked his move to Fulham after admitting he did want to take over at Craven Cottage.[LNB] Jol was Fulham's first choice to replace Roy Hodgson, who left for Liverpool at the start of this month, and it appeared a deal was close following talks between the Dutchman and Cottagers chief executive Alistair Mackintosh.[LNB]But Ajax were not prepared to let the former Tottenham manager leave and he decided not to pursue the matter further.[LNB]Jol told Sky Sports: "I like Fulham, I like London, I like England, so I was a bit disappointed I had to say no because the board don't want me to go under any circumstances.[LNB]"He (Mackintosh) was offering me a good job at a good club with good honest players. I was willing to go there but I'm on a contract.[LNB]"We spoke about it for hours. It took a long time, which was probably not good for Ajax, and I had to tell them (Fulham) I had to stay. All these problems, going to court, I don't want that."[LNB]Jol has two years still to run on the contract he signed last summer after joining Ajax from Hamburg and that proved the decisive factor despite his desire to return to England and frustration with financial problems that have forced the Amsterdam club to sell players.[LNB]It is thought Jol, who led Tottenham to successive fifth-place finishes in 2006 and 2007, has had constructive talks with the Ajax chief executive sice his move back to England was blocked.[LNB]Rik van den Boog offered assurances any funds generated from the possible departures of big names Maarten Stekelenburg, Luis Suarez and Gregory van der Wiel this summer would be ploughed back into team strengthening.[LNB]Jol said: "The club and I share each other's concerns. Everyone knows that Ajax have financial difficulties.[LNB]"But we all want to perform better than last season. The expectations at Ajax are always high.[LNB]"Marko Pantelic, Dennis Rommedahl, Kennedy and Gabri have all left the club and we haven't added anyone yet.[LNB]"Also, there is the uncertainty about whether a few other key players will stay."[LNB]Van den Boog is pleased Jol will remain at the ArenA and insisted there is no problem between club and coach.[LNB]"It is annoying it has dragged on for a week," he told the Algemeen Dagblad newspaper. "But the important thing is the result and that is good because Martin continues at Ajax.[LNB]"There was a club that wanted our coach. And they approached him at a time when he didn't have a lot of confidence in the squad.[LNB]"The coach answered questions about it and was flattered by the attention - that I understand.[LNB]"But he is under contract with us and his relationship with the club is good."
