Sugar's threat to sell Spurs

Football

Tottenham Hotspur's problems appeared to be heading for crisis point last night as it was reported that Alan Sugar, the chairman, wants to sell the club for pounds 50m.

Sugar, whose side have managed just one point and two goals this season after selling Jurgen Klinsmann and Nick Barmby, is quoted as saying: "I'm sick of all the aggravation. I'm not going to stand the abuse any longer. I'm absolutely serious about selling."

Sugar has been involved in a long-running feud with the England coach, Terry Venables. The two men teamed up to rescue the club from a financial crisis, but subsequently had an acrimonious parting.

In a thinly veiled jibe at the former White Hart Lane manager, whose business interests include a West End club, Sugar said: "Let them get someone else in, an entrepreneur, a wine bar owner with pounds 50m.

"If anyone thinks they have got the money and could do a better job than me, then come forward. Give me back the money I'm owed, purchase my shares and I'll be off for the benefit of the club."

Trouble at Tottenham, match report, page 21