Poyet confirmed as Spurs assistant

LONDON, England -- Uruguayan Gus Poyet has been given the go-ahead by Leeds United to join Tottenham as an assistant to new manager Juande Ramos after the clubs agreed an undisclosed compensation package.

Poyet, a former Tottenham player, has been assisting Dennis Wise at Elland Road and will now work alongside Marcos Alvarez, coaching the Spurs first team.

Leeds granted Tottenham permission to speak to Poyet on Sunday morning following an official approach.

A Leeds statement read: "The club would like to thank Gus for his efforts over the past 12 months and wishes him every success in his new role.

"He leaves with the best wishes of everyone connected with the club."

Poyet arrived at Leeds in October 2006 as number two to former Chelsea team-mate Wise.

The two had already worked together at Swindon, guiding the team to the top of League Two.

Former midfielder Poyet, who quit playing after three years at White Hart Lane in 2004, has played a key role in Leeds' unbeaten start to the season.

Ramos will make his first public appearance since quitting Sevilla to replace Martin Jol, at a press conference on Tuesday and will be in charge for the Carling Cup fourth round clash against Championship club Blackpool 24 hours later.

Ramos had only a few words to say to his new players after he saw Blackburn come from behind to win 2-1 at White Hart Lane on Sunday.

He said "The hard work starts tomorrow."

Tottenham skipper Robbie Keane said: "We have to draw a line under what's gone on up to now - we have no choice. It's a clean slate for everyone.

"The new manager has come in and everyone will want to impress him because they want to play. I'm looking forward to working with him - his record speaks for itself.

"If he can bring the success that he did at Sevilla here then I don't think anyone can complain. We met him after the game yesterday. He had a presence about him because of what he's achieved."

Spurs are third-from-bottom in the Premier League with just one win from 11 games and Keane admitted: "It was the same old story against Blackburn."

He added: "We made a few chances in the first half but lost in the last minute of the game. It's happened too much this season and we need to sort it out....

"It's about moving forward and sticking together as a unit. Things aren't going well for us so we must stand up and be counted as a group. We have to be strong." E-mail to a friend