Tottenham's Jol sets title target

Manager Martin Jol believes Tottenham Hotspur FC will soon be serious challengers for the Premiership title. "It's maybe not realistic but I think that in the next three years we could make a big challenge to be champions of England," he said.

Foundations
The Dutchman said Spurs, who are four points clear in their battle with Arsenal FC for fourth spot and qualification to next season's UEFA Champions League, have built the foundations to mount a title bid: "You need consistency in the club and with the players as well. Our spine has always remained the same with Ledley King and Paul Robinson and Michael Carrick. [Republic of Ireland captain] Robbie Keane is there now for another four years, and we have Jermain Defoe. And I think that is probably an advantage over a lot of other clubs - our British players.

Pressure
"If we could do it I don't think it would only be a big achievement for us as a club but for English football as well." Asked if the players were coping with the pressure in their battle for UEFA Champions League football, Jol said: "We have to be happy to have this challenge. It's not only about Europe or being there at the end of the day. Everybody is waiting for the players to make Spurs a big club. The supporters have the same feeling I have that there is more confidence in the club, more confidence in our players, and that is what you need."

Everton next
The manager continued: "If you play well and improve the players - and I think they have improved, especially the young players - the results will be there. We're a club with resources so we can always try to strengthen and if we do that in the right manner why shouldn't we be in the top five or six for the next three or four years?" Tottenham travel to the club which finished fourth last season, Everton FC, on Saturday.