JOL REVEALS VOTE OF CONFIDENCE

Tottenham boss Martin Jol insists he has the support of chairman Daniel Levy despite the club's poor start to the Barclays Premier League season.

The pair have met since Tuesday's defeat to Everton when Spurs' defensive problems were exposed, leaving them bottom of the table in the first week of the campaign.

"We were discussing our whole situation and he is very supportive," said Jol. "At this club, everybody is responsible and we are all in the same boat.

"Daniel feels that he is in the same boat and we have meetings every week."

Spurs were expected to challenge for a top-four place after spending more than £40million in the summer but defeats to Sunderland and Everton this week has seen the spotlight fall on Jol in an unwelcome way.

"I hate it at the moment," he admitted. "It is not only about myself because I know we will do better.

"I hate it if people are coming up with all these judgment calls."

However, the Dutchman played down the significance of his meeting with Levy, adding: "It is an important time for us - the transfer window shuts in two weeks' time.

"People didn't see him last week, that was good because people will probably think he is putting pressure on me before the season starts.

"We gave this club 125 points in two seasons so that hasn't been forgotten after two weeks or four days."

Jol has been a fans' favourite since taking over nearly three years ago, steering the club to consecutive fifth-placed finishes in his first two full seasons.

Although there were inevitable jeers after the defeat to Everton, the e-mails Jol has received from fans have also been supportive. Next up is the visit of Derby to White Hart Lane on Saturday.

"I know it is necessary for us to get some points on the board," the Dutchman said.

"Even before the Sunderland game, there was a lot of pressure - and that was before the league started. There is always pressure - you can't rest on your laurels.

"Sometimes it is different but I don't think even Sir Alex Ferguson can rest on his laurels given that they are now four points behind Chelsea. Everybody is in the same situation."

Jol expects striker Dimitar Berbatov to be sidelined for at least two weeks after picking up a groin injury against Everton in Tuesday.

The Bulgaria striker travelled to Germany for treatment but did not require surgery.

"It could take a couple of weeks," said Jol. "He had it before, a little groin problem last year and it is the same injury."

Left-back Gareth Bale, who signed from Southampton in the summer in a £10million deal, is still not ready to return following a knee problem but the Wales youngster has returned to full training.

He said: "My injury is coming along well and I want to get back into it as soon as possible. I can't wait to get out there and start playing

Taken from =football365=