Fulham boss laments Tottenham departures

Mousa Dembele (left) on his debut for Tottenham against Norwich. Photo credit: Tim Hales/PA wire

Saturday, September 15, 2012
8:22 AM

Fulham manager Martin Jol has revealed he was disappointed to lose Clint Dempsey and Mousa Dembele to Spurs during the transfer window.

Dembele was first to head to White Hart Lane after Andre Villas-Boas’s side activated his £14million release clause, before USA forward Dempsey followed in a shock switch on deadline day.

Jol admits it was a blow to lose two key players but insists he didn’t have a choice.

“Clint Dempsey wanted to play for a Champions League club, Spurs are probably a Champions League club and stature wise Liverpool are probably a Champions League club, so I can understand it, but to let a player go on the last day is disappointing,” said Jol.

“I really hoped Mousa would stay here then maybe go to the likes of Barcelona or Real Madrid next year, because I really think he is quality.

“He was the man and playing really well, but Spurs paid the clause, so we had to let him go.”