LONDON (AFP) - Jacques Santini resigned Friday as coach of Tottenham Hotspur, the English Premiership club said in a statement on its official wesbite.
The statement said Santini, former coach of the French national team, was returning to France for "personal reasons".
It added that Martin Jol, the first assistant coach, would take charge of the team for Saturday's Premiership match against Charlton.
Santini had only been in charge since the start of the season. His four-month, 13-match reign at the north London club, ended with Spurs in eleventh place in the Premiership.
They have so far scored just six league goals, the lowest total by any club in England's four professional divisions and while Santini was initially given credit for strengthening Spurs' defence, fans frustration at the team's inability to score in the Premiership had been growing.
Tottenham said they would make a further statement on Monday.
Santini said in Friday's statement: "My time at Tottenham has been memorable and it is with deep regret that I take my leave. Private issues in my personal life have arisen which caused my decision.
"I have therefore requested to return to France. I very much hope that the wonderful fans will respect my decision. I should like to thank Frank Arnesen (sporting director) and Daniel Levy (chairman) for their understanding.
"I wish the club and the supporters all the best for the season."
Arnesen added: "We are obviously disappointed that Jacques is leaving us. We fully respect his decision. I can assure you that the club will act swiftly to minimise the impact of Jacques' departure."
Arnesen, formerly manager at Dutch giants PSV Eindhoven, brought in Santini after himself joining the club in the close season.
The pair formed a new management duo at White Hart Lane when caretaker boss David Pleat stepped down after succeeding Spurs favourite Glenn Hoddle, the ex-England coach, in 2003.
Looking ahead, Arnesen said: "Our priority is to ensure that this season's performance remains unaffected by this move. I shall make a further statement on Monday clarifying our position. We wish Jacques well."
11/05/2004 - 19:09 GMT - AFP