Tottenham vice-chairman Kemsley: I’m sorry Jol

Kemsley has held secret meetings with Sevilla coach Juande Ramos it was revealed this week.

Kemsley told News of the World: “I am sorry about last weekend’s escapade and for the damage and upset it has caused to both Martin Jol, the club and the supporters. The truth is that we never offered Martin’s job to Juande Ramos no matter what anybody thinks.

“I went to Seville for two reasons. Firstly to talk with Sevilla about the way they run their club and to discuss their model for success because that’s what I want for Tottenham-success.

“I have been a season ticket holder at Spurs since I was seven and there are not many people who can say that.

“You must believe I want what’s best for the club and I think you should always talk to other people, especially successful people, to see how they have achieved so much.

“I must admit the second reason I was there was as a contingency against Martin leaving.

“I know Martin is hugely ambitious, he is always telling me that, and I know he is a coveted manager. There are a lot of teams out there who would love him in charge of their club.

“I liken it to being married to a beautiful woman — it’s wonderful to have a beautiful wife but it can make you insecure and worried that you might lose her.

“That’s how I feel about Martin. I think he is great but I’m worried he could leave. So you must have a contingency plan.

“It’s like having a life vest under your seat on an aeroplane. You hope you don’t have to use it but you are safe in the knowledge that it’s there in case of an emergency.

“I am not trying to force Martin out. I am 100 per cent behind him and I know Daniel Levy is 100 per cent behind him, too. The events of the last week might not have given that impression and I regret that.

“But I could not allow this situation to continue to undermine the club. Let’s stop all this talk of crisis and let’s use this as a rallying call to everyone who loves Spurs.

“This is my call to arms to everyone who loves the club-let’s all pull together to try and achieve what we all want — the very best. Let’s give Martin our full backing.”