Comolli full of pride over Tottenham work - 'particularly the academy'

Damien Comolli is proud of the work he did as Tottenham sports director.

The Frenchman told the Sunday Telegraph: “I’m pleased when I see Woodgate doing fantastically, Assou-Ekotto playing well; I thought Zokora was outstanding last week [against West Ham]. And Corluka, Modric, all of them.

"I’m very pleased. When I made mistakes I knew it quite quickly. I don’t think I made many mistakes. The players who are still there and playing, I knew they had the quality. Sorry, I don’t mean to sound arrogant by saying that, but that’s the way I felt. I’m pleased the players are doing well, but not surprised. I’m not surprised that Darren Bent has scored 12 goals this season. I knew he would score goals.”

Comolli added: “The main legacy of my time at the club is the academy. The difference between when I arrived and when I left is massive. Speak to anyone know, even on the Continent and they will tell you that Spurs now have one of the leading academies in Europe.

“There was nothing four years ago in terms of scouting and coaching. There were scouts who were being paid and they had not been to a game for two years. It was crazy. But this youth team are outstanding. Every position, there is talent. John McDermott, the Academy manager, has done an excellent job in helping make that happen.”