Jol would like to repeat Tottenham transfer policy
Fulham manager Martin Jol admits he would like to be able to adopt Tottenham’s recent transfer policy of buying emerging English players.
Jol led Spurs to two fifth-placed finishes during his spell at White Hart Lane and the spine of his team included the likes of Paul Robinson, Michael Carrick, Jermaine Jenas and Jermain Defoe.
But the Dutchman believes the inflated prices of home-grown players mean clubs have little option but to look abroad.
He explained: “I need a spine like I had at Spurs. I always like to get strong English players in the spine.
“That is my first priority, but if it is not possible then I can do nothing about it.
“If you want Premier League experience you have to pay a lot of money, so you tend to go abroad if you know the market.
“In the lower leagues there are so many good players but they are still a lot of money.
“You have to identify players and make your mind up. Sometimes it comes off, sometimes it won’t, and it’s the same all over Europe.”
Jol is also keen for Fulham’s youngsters to make their mark at first-team level.
Matthew Briggs and Alex Kacaniklic will end the season on loan at Burnley and Watford respectively, having so far been unable to hold down a regular place at Craven Cottage.
“My philosophy is still to get some youngsters here and build them up, and hopefully they do well for us and we generate your own money,” Jol insisted.
“I would like to have a very young team because it would be a healthy situation to have the experience and to have some youngsters, but sometimes it’s impossible.
“Sometimes it’s a necessity to have older players, especially if you lose players like Danny Murphy – like [Giorgos] Karagounis for example.
“We have good young players like Matthew Briggs – he is a very good prospect.
“But if someone else is playing in the position and they’re not playing then you can only make a decision next year to get them back and try to change your team.”
Follow West London Sport on Twitter
Find us on Facebook
