Spurs appoint Ramos as head coach and request talks with Poyet

The Spaniard, 53, tendered his resignation with Sevilla last night, clearing the way for him to succeed Martin Jol at White Hart Lane following the Dutchman's dismissal on Thursday night.

Ramos' first game in charge is expected to come against Blackpool in the Carling Cup on Wednesday, with development coach Clive Allen and youth team boss Alex Inglethorpe in charge for tomorrow's Premier League clash against Blackburn.

Tottenham also confirmed they have requested permission from Leeds to speak to assistant manager Gus Poyet in order to invite him to join the club to work with Ramos.

Marcos Alvarez, 36, who worked with Ramos at Sevilla, will also join the Tottenham coaching staff.

Ramos said: "I greatly appreciate the opportunity to work as head coach at Tottenham Hotspur, a club with a great tradition and history.

"Ever since I started my coaching career I have wanted to work in England. It is my sincere hope that I can repay the faith the Spurs board has shown in me.

"I am looking forward to meeting the players. It is a squad any coach would be excited to work with. I genuinely believe that there is the potential to achieve great things together.

"I was hugely impressed with the Spurs fans both home and away when Sevilla played Spurs last season and it will be a privilege to be the coach of this club with the huge support it enjoys both at White Hart Lane and throughout the world."

Ramos moves to White Hart Lane after a successful two years at Sevilla, where he won back-to-back UEFA Cups, a European Super Cup, a Copa del Rey and a Spanish Super Cup.

He also took the Andalucian side into the Champions League for the first time in its history.

Spurs sporting director Damien Comolli said: "Juande's arrival is great news for Tottenham Hotspur.

"He brings with him a wealth of experience, a proven track record and a winning pedigree. Now is the time for us to regroup and look to deliver the results and performances that everyone associated with the club wants to see.

"By making the appointment at this stage of the season, with our current, talented group of players, we have given ourselves the opportunity to compete well in all four competitions.

"Juande is a highly-respected coach and his agreement to join us is excellent news. I know he is eager to get started."

Ramos's appointment brings to an end a lengthy pursuit by Spurs. They were revealed to be interested in recruiting the Spaniard in the first week of the season when officials met him at the Alfonso XIII hotel in Sevilla.

He steps into the vacancy left by Jol, who was sacked following a disappointing start to the season which has left Spurs third from bottom.