Tottenham’s recruitment under Daniel Levy was not consistent and every summer the fans are told it will be different this time – maybe this year will be the one
Daniel Levy has been one of the most influential figures in Tottenham’s modern history. But perhaps one of his most telling comments came last month when he was talking about the club’s £1billion stadium.
“I think it’s one of those situations – when I’m not here I’m sure I’ll get the credit,” Levy said ruefully to Sky pundit Gary Neville in a rare interview.
Levy is right. This is the chairman who has built one of the best stadiums in the world, overseen a new state-of-the-art training ground and turned Tottenham into a brilliantly-run business with solid financial foundations.
And yet Tottenham have never repeated that sort of success on the pitch during Levy’s 25 years in charge. The fans have been calling for him to go for years. When Tottenham lifted the Europa League trophy in May, it was their first piece of silverware in 17 years and only the second of Levy’s tenure.
Tottenham fans celebrated that night in Bilbao as one of the greatest of their lives and it did feel like a moment in time for Levy and he would see it as reward for his hard work.
READ MORE: Daniel Levy leaves Tottenham after 25 years at club in bombshell announcementREAD MORE: Daniel Levy gives up second powerful role after bombshell Tottenham exit
But, let’s be fair, those Spurs supporters have had to be patient. They have been fed-up and not been afraid to say so. There have been protests outside the ground, chants in the stadium and abuse aimed in Levy’s direction.
It is little wonder that Levy has looked gaunt and troubled of late. He admitted it was a heart-rending decision to sack Ange Postecoglou, the manager who led Spurs to that European trophy.
This summer has been one of great change. A new manager in Thomas Frank, a new CEO in Vinai Venkatesham and now a new non-executive chairman with Peter Charrington taking over.
It is now a strong structure at the club. They have made the changes, got through the transfer window and now, three days later, Levy announces his departure after 25 years.
The one point on Levy which is really misunderstood is the spending. Tottenham are big spenders. They are the fourth biggest net spenders in the Premier League over the past five years.
Trouble is, they have just spent it badly! The recruitment has not been consistent and every summer the fans are told it will be different this time. Maybe this year will be the one.
They have flitted between managers and bad appointment after bad appointment. When Levy took over in 2001, one of his first things to do was get rid of ex-Arsenal boss George Graham. That won him popularity points with the fans.
But since then, who has worked? Mauricio Pochettino has perhaps been the biggest hit. He led them to a Champions League final. But when the squad needed an overhaul, Levy could not make it work.
He has been a brutal negotiator on transfers and with players. Let alone managers. Sacking Jose Mourinho days before a cup final. A terrible appointment in Antonio Conte and also Nuno Espirito Santo.
Postecoglou was fun. It was going well in that first season, Big Ange produced entertaining football and they briefly topped the table. “We’ve got our Tottenham back,” crowed Levy at a fans’ forum.
What a terrible move. You never hear from him. Then they get a few results and up pops Levy. Sadly, it was one of a few bad missteps from a chairman who is clearly a brilliant businessman, tough negotiator and has made the club a huge commercial success.
But his 25 years will be remembered by mixed fans with frustration and underachievement on the pitch.
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