Jol urges Bale to stay at Spurs

Gareth Bale's former Tottenham boss Martin Jol has revealed he tried to sign the Welshman for a second time when he was at Hamburg.

Last Updated: 15/03/13 at 15:57 Post Comment

Gareth Bale: Comes up against former manager on Sunday

Gareth Bale: Comes up against former manager on Sunday

Jol was Spurs manager when he plucked Bale from Southampton in 2007 and gave the then 17-year-old left-back his Premier League debut.

Bale has gone on to become the hottest property in English football, and a return of 11 goals in his last 10 games has seen him linked with the likes of Real Madrid and Barcelona.

But Jol, now manager at Fulham, wants the free-scoring 23-year-old to stick with Spurs and become a White Hart Lane legend.

"I saw Bale at Southampton when he was 15, we followed him and other people came in but I had a few words with his mum to convince him to come to Spurs," said Jol.

"With hindsight it's very satisfying, he's probably the best player in the Premier League at the moment and he shows it week in, week out.

"I played him in his first match against Manchester United and he had better stats than any other player, and he was 17.

"Hopefully for the league and for Spurs he will stay because I think it's a very good club for him. He's getting stronger and stronger and playing in the hole he is probably even better.

"I wanted to get him on loan in Germany and other clubs were trying to get him but they did well to keep him, during that spell where he played 24 games without being on the winning side.

"But they knew and I knew he was an exciting player. If you see Spurs over the last couple of years they are getting better and better so for him to stay, why not?

"It's a big club with a big fanbase and he could be a legend there. If he decides to go on to bigger things abroad it can be a risk. It comes off sometimes but not always.

"But whatever he decides to do he will have a big future. Hopefully he stays in the league and I can keep enjoying watching him."

Fulham will have not played in over a fortnight when they head to White Hart Lane, while Spurs put in 120 minutes at the San Siro on Thursday night as they squeezed past Inter Milan in the Europa League.

But Jol added: "There were a few players who didn't play and they have a big squad. If they can rest five or six players like they did then there's no problem.

"Aaron Lennon has been injured and he came on and had a few minutes, so that's a positive for them.

"For us it's annoying, we only have two games this month. Spurs have played all these games but it's probably better to keep your rhythm."

I can't stand this club but I will say it is obvious Bale is a real talent or could be. He has to stop this diving though and for me I would love to see him stay in the Prem but if he persists then I hope he goes abroad. He might find the Ref's start to give him nowt when he 'falls' over. Drogba was like this when he first came but his team mates rounded on him and look at the player he became I don't care if you rated him or not but he would have walked into any team in the Prem and most in Europe. Bale has the potential to be great as well I just hope he can realise it.
- crowsy

Football365 Facebook Fan Page

The Football365 fan page is a great place to meet like minded people, have football related discussions and make new friends.

Related News

Sky Bet

    • Retrieving latest Sky Bet odds

Most Commented

Readers' Comments

T

he day Tonys hat goes missing for some bantz will be different story altogether..

TheBrestEver
Stoke probe 'banter gone wild'

I

m starting to think Roman may never actually be happy at the top level. If he wants all conquering fancy football I wonder if he'd be better off buying a lower division side then paying outlandish salaries to attract high caliber players too good for the division.

john matrix
The Most Unsatisfying European Victory...

R

afa has to be favourite for the Everton job now, surely :) He'll realise his ambition to live and work on Merseyside again, get the best out of whoever plays for them, maybe win some cups and be thoroughly loathed by the toffee fans. What's not to like? Go ead, Ken, gimajob!

captbusby
Benitez basks in final glory

Footer 365

Wenger plans 'spending spree'

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has vowed to invest in new players and use this season as a springboard for success.

David Luiz has thanked outgoing Chelsea coach Rafa Benitez for his help

Chelsea star David Luiz thanked the "amazing" Rafa Benitez for his all help during his stay at Stamford Bridge.

Swansea defender Ashley Williams remains coy about transfer prospects

Ashley Williams claims he expects to stay at Swansea but is remaining coy over the possibility of a summer move.

Mail Box

James Collins Is Only 29. Tough Paper Round

He is one of a number of solid shouts for players that look old before their time. We also have the final words on lovely D-Beck and a rejection of end of season playoffs...

Without Posh, Becks Could Have Been Scholes

That's one opinion, but others give their thanks to the man. We also have ideas for a relegation playoff, happy memories of the season and a defence of Liverpool's campaign...

© 2013 British Sky Broadcasting Ltd. All Rights Reserved