Jol sets his sights on cup glory

Last updated : 16 March 2005 By Alistair Murray

Before every round so far the Dutchman has done a far better PR job on behalf of the world famous competition than the Football Association have themselves.

The only drawback however is the small matter of Spurs having possibly the toughest quarter final tie imaginable, against Graeme Souness' improving side. Spurs did win 1-0 at St James Park in the second weekend of the season but don't be fooled by Newcastle's current league position.

Martin Jol remains hopeful Spurs can turnaround defeat at Southampton with a good result in the cup against Newcastle.

"We beat Newcastle last time we went up there - and we are not afraid of anyone.

"It might not be the best draw but we reached the last eight of the Carling Cup and now we want to go further than the last eight of the FA Cup. I know the FA Cup is important and the players realise that, too," said Jol.

If this was the 2005/06 season Spurs wouldn't be able to rely on taking Newcastle back to White Hart Lane for a replay. If Newcastle had been involved in the UEFA Cup as they are currently, then the FA's decision to ditch some 2006 quarter-final replays in a bid to shorten the domestic season would have been in force.

Newcastle's final preparation before the crunch cup-tie is Thursday's trip to Olympiakos. In the meantime Martin Jol's side have a full week to ponder the disappointment of Saturday's 1-0 reverse at Southampton.

"We have to go on and hopefully learn (from the Southampton defeat) which was a bit of a setback.

"The big disappointment was that we could have gone sixth (in the Premiership) if we had won," added Jol.

The opportunity to heighten his fascination with the FA Cup would surely help sway any thoughts Jol might be harbouring towards the challenge of taking Ajax into another Champions League campaign next season. The Dutchman only previously scratched the surface as a coach in his homeland, winning manager of the year awards in two consecutive seasons while at RKC Waalwijk.