Tottenham return to the Champions League on Tuesday after landing their first trophy in 17 years in May and under a bright new era led by Thomas Frank and without Daniel Levy
This should represent the start of a brave new world for Tottenham.
A new hierarchy, new manager and a Champions League campaign in what is regarded as one of the best stadiums in Europe. The fans have every right to be optimistic because there is also a buzz around the club at the moment which makes it feel like a fresh start.
Just last season, there were protests outside the ground against former chairman Daniel Levy because supporters were fed-up at the way the club was being run. Ultimately, Tottenham finished the season at the end of Ange Postecoglou’s reign by winning the Europa League and, despite their wretched Premier League form, it gave them a passport back onto European football’s biggest stage.
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Tottenham have been bold as a club since then by bringing in Thomas Frank as manager and it was the will of the fans who really drove an even bigger change.
Levy was replaced amid a message that Tottenham want more success. We got our first glimpse of the club’s new power brokers in the directors’ box at West Ham last Saturday.
There was Viv Lewis, daughter of former owner Joe Lewis, and her son-in-law Nick Beucher were sat with technical director Johan Lange and chief executive Vinai Venkatesham. You can be sure the new hierarchy will relish their first big European night since taking over.
Tottenham have been regulars in the Champions League in the past and even reached the final in 2019. But a failure to build on the team which Mauricio Pochettino built was perhaps the biggest example of the lack of ambition and failings of Levy’s reign.
The biggest success, of course, is that £1billion stadium. It deserves to host the biggest European nights. Villarreal will provide a little taste and they have got big Champions League dates with Borussia Dortmund and trips to the likes of Paris Saint Germain and Monaco.
Tottenham should reach the knock-out stages and you could sense the excitement as Frank was asked about his first Champions League campaign since taking charge at Spurs.
“It’s a fantastic opportunity and experience,” said Frank. “We’re playing in the Champions League in one of the best – maybe the best – stadiums in the world.”
Tottenham have made such a promising start – three wins and a defeat from four Premier League games – under Frank and the squad looks stronger, it has been strengthened in key areas and it looks exciting.
No wonder a lot of Spurs fans will feel the shackles are off and they can dream big again.
The hierarchy want silverware. They have an ambitious manager. They have a chief executive who makes it his business to be in tune with the fans. This is a big moment for Tottenham – and they have to seize the opportunity.
After years of frustration and false dawns, Tottenham fans are desperate for a new beginning. The return to the Champions League and a win over Villarreal might just signal the start of something very special.