Fulham’s search for a new manager looks set to continue after it was revealed that Martin Jol may remain with Ajax Amsterdam “in principle” as long as the Dutch giants are willing to commit fresh funds for new transfers this summer. The Dutchman is understood to have clashed with the Ajax board over possible player depatures this transfer window with little possibility of funds being used for replacements and may have taken advantage of Fulham’s interest in him to now secure a stronger commitment from his present employers.
Dutch daily the Telegraaf reported yesterday that Jol is now committing his future to Ajax pending a second round of meetings today: “They (Fulham) were interested, but I will stay at Ajax in principle.”
Jol was understood to be close to a switch to Craven Cottage after the Premier League club contacted Ajax for permission to speak to the former Tottenham Hotspur boss earlier last week. The Dutchman expressed his admiration for English football and claimed that he was keen on the move to take over at the Europa League finalist.
“On Thursday evening Fulham contacted me. Fulham said they wanted me as their new manager and they contacted Ajax,” Jol said.
“The Premier League is the best competition in the world, and I like London very much. Fulham is a great opportunity.
“The way it is going at Ajax we cannot play for the title, or the biggest prizes,” he added.
“For the past two weeks I have been very worried about what is going to happen with Ajax.
“In the past they have paid too much for not so good players and now they have no money to invest in the squad.”
Tags: Ajax Amsterdam, Dutch Eredivisie, English Premier League, football managers, Fulham, Martin Jol