Jol: I did Defoe dirty work

Martin Jol has said that he did dirty work on behalf of the Tottenham board, who were worried about Defoe leaving the club on a free transfer. The Tottenham board demanded Jol would confront Defoe regarding his contract situation.

The Observer says senior club officials manipulated Jol into publicly criticising the striker earlier this season when saying: "He [Defoe] tells everyone he loves the club, but hasn't signed a contract. I said to him he will have a fair chance if he signs. My only problem with him is his contract."

According to sources, the club asked him to 'send a message out' to the forward about running down his current deal then refused to back his words when Defoe complained about them.