Juande Ramos has spoken for the first time to explain why he quit Sevilla to replace Martin Jol as manager of struggling Spurs. The Spaniard tendered his resignation with Sevilla on Friday night, and could be in charge of Tottenham Hotspur for Wednesday's fourth round League Cup tie with Blackpool.

Spurs gave Ramos, who is reported to have been offered a deal worth around seven million euros a season, a take it or leave it ultimatum after sacking Jol on Thursday. Ramos, in his first public comments about the move, said: "My heart will remain in Nervion (the area of Seville where the club's ground is located) but for my family and my profession it is impossible not to leave for London.

"After the excellent period that Sevilla has enjoyed fate has dictated that my path now takes me on the most ambitious challenge I've ever faced."

In the statement on his personal website, the 53-year-old added: "To the red and white family of the Sanchez Pizjuan (Sevilla's stadium) I only say to you that I could go very far away but, Sevillista friend, I assure you, that nobody will ever be closer to you."

Sevilla confirmed Ramos' departure on Friday night on their official website, declaring: "Juande Ramos appeared on the third floor of the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan to present a document in which he asked for his contract to be rescinded under clause 1006/85 at 22.35pm (local time).

"Ramos was accompanied by his physical trainer Marcos Alvarez, who presented the same document to the general director of the club, Jose Maria Cruz, in the presence of Ramon Rodriguez Monchi, the club's sporting director.

Ramos looks to certain to be working alongside former Spurs midfielder Gus Poyet, whose future as Dennis Wise's assistant at Leeds United was thrown into doubt on Friday evening. He was told to stay away from the Leeds' dugout for Saturday's League One fixture.

"In the best interests of the team he will not be in attendance at Elland Road for the fixture against Millwall to allow the players to fully focus on the game without any distractions," read a statement from Leeds. The pair's initial task will be lifting the spectre of relegation that has haunted the club all season- Spurs are languishing in third from bottom after one win from ten games.

Spurs, who first approached Ramos on the first week of the season when club officials famously met him at the Alfonso XIII hotel in Sevilla, will attempt to appoint the duo swiftly as they look to salvage something from their season.

Jol's assistant Chris Hughton was also dismissed in Thursday's 'night of the long knives' at White Hart Lane, while goalkeeper coach Hans Segers was asked to step down with immediate effect on Friday. Jol was expected to take a few days holiday before considering his options.

Spurs are less laid back about their own situation and Clive Allen's appointment as caretaker for the Blackburn game on Sunday is seen as extremely short term, unlike when David Pleat took over for most of the 2003/04 season.