Table of Contents

The Journey of Martin Jol:

Transition from player to manager

Ado Amateurs

1991-1995

In 1989, Martin began his managerial career, initially serving as a commercial manager for FC Den Haag while studying for his coaching license. He returned to coaching with ADO Den Haag’s amateur team, achieving two promotions to the highest amateur division and winning several cups during his tenure.

SVV Scheveningen

1995-1996

In 1994, he moved to SVV Scheveningen, where he led the team to historic successes, including winning the Dutch overall non-league championship and 3 different cups.

Roda JC

1996-1998

Martin completed his pro-license with honors and joined Roda JC, where he won the Dutch Cup in his first season. Despite selling several key players, Martin managed to keep Roda JC competitive. He also managed to reach the quarter final of the European cup winner’s cup.

RKC Waalwijk

1998-2004

In 1998, he took on the challenge of managing RKC Waalwijk, helping them avoid relegation who only had 3 points in the month of November. Martin helped the team and later transforming them into a respected team in the Dutch Eredivisie and finishing with a historical 59 points. For his achievements, he was named Coach of the Year in 2002 and 2003.

Tottenham Hotspur FC

2004-2007

In 2004, Martin realized a childhood dream by becoming the manager of Tottenham Hotspur. He quickly turned the team’s fortunes around, leading them to two consecutive top-five finishes in the Premier League, their best performance in over 20 years. Despite being dismissed in 2007 due to an indifferent start to the season, he maintained a strong connection with Spurs fans, who gave him a memorable farewell.

Hamburger SV

2008-2009

Martin then joined HSV Hamburg in 2008, where he led the team to the semi-finals of both the Europa league and the DFB-Pokal. Despite losing key players like Rafael van der Vaart, Vincent Kompany and Nigel de Jong, he built a strong, competitive side.

AFC Ajax

2009-2010

In 2009, Martin returned to the Netherlands to manage Ajax Amsterdam. Under his guidance, Ajax went unbeaten for ten months and qualified for the Champions League for the first time in six years and winning the KNVB cup for the first time since 2007. Despite political challenges within the club, Martin left a lasting legacy, developing players who would go on to generate significant transfer fees.

Fulham FC

2011-2013

In 2011, he took over as manager of Fulham FC, where he led the team to a top-half finish with 52 points, one of the highest tallies in Fulham’s history and European qualification. His first 2 season he got a cumulative total of 95 points which is their highest in Fulham’s premier league history. the club had to sell their 2 best players of the team, Dembele and Dempsey. However, Martin still managed to acquire 43 point and avoid relegation from premier league with a great contribution from Berbatov who he convinced to come to Fulham. In his third season at Fulham, Martin Jol faced significant financial constraints imposed by new ownership, which hindered his ability to replicate the previous successes he had enjoyed with the club. As a result, Fulham’s performance began to decline. Jol and the club mutually agreed to part ways in 2013.

Al Ahly

2016-2017

Final Stint and Retirement
Even after retirement Martin decided to a final stint with Al Ahly in Egypt in 2016, Martin Jol retired from club management, having played and managed over 1,200 games at the highest level. Although he was approached by numerous clubs worldwide, he decided it was time to step back.
Martin Jol’s journey is a testament to his passion for football and his ability to succeed at the highest levels, both as a player and a manager.