Jol: Lack of experience cost us

Martin Jol admitted Tottenham missed out on automatic qualification for the UEFA Cup because his young side lacked maturity at crucial points during the season.

Spurs ended their Premiership campaign with an uninspiring goalless draw against Blackburn when a goal-fest was required to give them any hope at all of leapfrogging Middlesbrough to snatch a European berth.

A 1-0 defeat to Middlesbrough last week had wrenched their destiny from their own hands and left them with too much to do yesterday.

Tottenham's inability to up the ante when it mattered most left their manager with plenty of food for thought as the planning begins for next season.

"The result last week (against Middlesbrough) broke our necks. I was very disappointed because we needed a draw. That was crucial, and in crucial games we needed more," said Jol.

"We were very paradoxical this season. We conceded less goals than ever away from home, but still could not get the two more wins that would have meant we would be in Europe easily.

When the big Dutchmnan took over from Jacques Santini his target was not European football but a place in the top half of the Premiership as the Londoners embarked on a rebuilding project.

The aim was to inject Spurs with young, fresh talent and set the club on course to challenge for honours in the coming years.

Jol is confident that has happened and believes being in the hunt for a European place on the last day of the season was a source of much pride.

"We were 15th at the time (I took over). We lost one match at home, against Chelsea, since November - and even then the referee was harsh to give a penalty for their first goal," he said.

"We are never satisfied because we were so close, on the fringe. We want to achieve something because this is a big club and our supporters want us to do well.

"I can't complain. I am proud of my team. (Assistant coach) Chris Hughton said before the match that this is the first time he can remember Tottenham still playing for a spot in Europe on the final day of league. That is a positive thing."

The likes of Michael Carrick, Michael Dawson, Andy Reid, Reto Ziegler, Mido, Sean Davis, Noe Pamarot and Thimothee Atouba were all brought to the club.

Teemu Taino and Tom Huddlestone are already signed up for next year and England goalkeeper Paul Robinson is in negotiations over a new contract he hopes to sign "in the next few weeks".

Spurs captain Ledley King hailed Jol's influence on the side, saying: "It's been a good season for the team. Martin has come in and been brilliant for us.

"We have got a young squad, we are working hard together to improve our game and we have come along a lot together this year."

Chairman Daniel Levy has been buoyed by the progress made under the manager and sporting director Frank Arnesen.

"I firmly believe that we are now in the best shape the cub has been in for many, many years," said Levy.

"We have a bright, young squad, admired management and a strong financial base. I sign off this season with a much lighter heart and a real sense of optimism.

"We have achieved much in a relatively short space of time and there is still much more to do, but we have the right team to do so."

Now, the Spurs boss is keeping his fingers crossed that Tottenham qualify through the lottery of the UEFA Fair Play league.

Spurs may have missed out on a UEFA place but no-one can deny that under the guidance of Jol, they have been making strides in the right direction.

And next season, the Dutchman will be hoping that a bit more experience and know-how will bring Spurs a top seven finish and European football.