Fulham have suffered a setback in their search for a new manager after Martin Jol withdrew from contention for the vacant post. The former Tottenham Hotspur manager was approached last Friday about his interest in becoming the permanent replacement for Lawrie Sanchez, who was dismissed last week, before the transfer window opens next week.

Jol was initially attracted because of the club’s proximity to his home in Essex, but it is believed that he felt that the squad may not be strong enough to avoid relegation from the Barclays Premier League this season. They are one place above the relegation zone, with only two league wins. Some Fulham officials also had reservations about the Dutchman.

Jol is holding out for an opportunity to take charge of one of the big clubs below the recognised top four, such as Newcastle United, where speculation persists about Sam Allardyce.

Ray Lewington will continue in charge of Fulham away to Tottenham today and it is difficult to conceive which manager will want to take on the job. Fulham have said that no approach has been made for John Collins, their former player who resigned as Hibernian manager last week. Graeme Souness and Terry Venables have been mentioned.

Mohamed Al Fayed, the Fulham chairman, is likely to have to offer the new manager a contract with a substantial bonus paid if the team stay in the top flight.

Tottenham’s hopes of capitalising on Fulham’s unsettled situation at White Hart Lane today have been boosted by the news that Ledley King will have a fitness test to decide whether he is ready to return. The centre back has not played since the final game of last season after a knee operation, before a thigh strain suffered in training last week prevented his participation in Saturday’s match away to Arsenal.