Levy gone; is it a new dawn for Spurs?
A lot has happened since I wrote my last article/ blog.
Levy’s gone, which is what most of the true Tottenham Hotspur football-loving fan base wanted.
On Thursday evening, Daniel Levy left his post as chairman of Tottenham Hotspur after 24 years in charge. Later, it was reported that Levy had been removed from his position, with the decision taken by the club’s majority shareholders, the Lewis family.
The reason for the decision has been taken in pursuit of long-term success and building on the foundations of our Europa League triumph, and that could not have been achieved by Levy’s penny pinching (greed/ profit) before success on the field, attitude.
It was reported that the news came out of nowhere. After much discussion about Daniel Levy’s management of Tottenham Hotspur, the chairman stepped down. It could be argued that the decision had been taken months ago. His close confidant, executive director Donna-Maria Cullen, suddenly resigned; by then, the writing was on the wall.
In 24 years and 15 managers, Levy managed to win only two minor trophies (League and Europa Cups). However, his business empire grew and grew, while he himself profited by £50 million (it has been claimed).
If we are now serious about winning the Premier League for the first time in 64 years, then it is certainly true that we will need to be more decisive when it comes to signings. We will also have to adjust our wage structure ratio if we want to compete consistently at the highest levels.
At present, we do not offer the kind of wages top players can earn at other clubs.
For me, one of the most publicised misses in the window was our failure to complete a deal for Eberechi Eze. Personally, I think it was the bit of straw that broke the camel’s back. Money pinching was Levy’s trade, and money pinching was his downfall.
I hope that we may be more decisive in our transfer dealings going forward. Who knows, but can it be any worse than under Levy’s money-pinching, profit-first-before-team success?
The noises that are coming out of Tottenham seem to be positive and hopeful. ENIC has already stated that they want to win more trophies/challenge for top honours, which is more than what Levy has said in all his 25 years.
Should we give Levy any recognition for anything at Tottenham?
Personally, no. Granted, he was the architect for building a great stadium and a money-generating empire. Still, none of this benefited Tottenham Hotspur, the football club, in the way other clubs have been helped by their owners’ focus on success on the field.
We must go back to the beginning to find out what it was all about/ or it should be all about.
In 1882, a group of cricket enthusiasts sought an activity to engage in during the winter months, and out of their endeavours, the Hotspur football club was established (later renamed Tottenham Hotspur due to the existence of another team in London called “Hotspur”).
In 1899, we moved to White Hart Lane and embarked on a measured process to turn our club into a trophy-winning side. That is now in our blood, thanks to managers like Cameron (FA Cup – 1901), McWilliam (FA Cup – 1921), Arthur Rowe (2nd Division Champions and League Title), Bill Nicholson (the double in 1961, FA, League and European trophies), Burkinshaw (FA, European Cups) and Terry Venables (FA Cup). Dedicated managers, owners/ directors/ players over the years all contributed to that success. That was until Daniel Levy and his money-pinching took over the club. Since then, it has been downhill on the field ever since. As I said, two trophies in 25 years are not what previous owners/ players and managers wanted for our great club going forward.
Building an empire/ money machine is not worth anything if it means our fantastic name/ tradition takes a back seat. All Levy achieved for his stadium was making Tottenham Hotspur FC into another entertaining act that was part of his vision for making money.
He’s gone, and I hope that our future is a little brighter… granted, time will tell… but can it be any worse than Levy’s tight squeeze on our club?
Every time I talk to people, they all say the same thing… “but look what he has achieved…” My response… fuck all to do with football, but plenty of dosh for those men in black hiding behind the scenes.
Would any of the managers who were sacked under Levy have achieved anything under a Tottenham Hotspur football-loving owner? Who was prepared to put success before the greed of money? I think so. Granted, we will never know… but that doesn’t stop me from thinking that success would have been achieved if someone else were running our great club.
A new beginning starts at the Spammers’ ground with a new manager… and a more positive backing. Yes, it is still ENIC pulling the strings; however, with Levy gone, more money and ambition seem to have replaced Daniel Levy.
Up the Spurs!
COYS!
Glenn
My name is Glenn Renshaw.
I am currently a Premium Season Ticket holder (West Stand) in the new stadium. Before that – at White Hart Lane – a season ticket holder in various parts of the ground (mainly in the North stand).
Before becoming a season ticket holder, I stood on the shelf and various other parts of the ground since the 1950s. In 1987 I became one of the first to hold a Spurs Membership card. I was also a life long member of the Spurs supporters club (now defunct).
I go to all home, away and abroad matches.
I was born in 1955, Edgware, London (it was in the late 50s – as a baby – that my dad took me to Spurs to initiate me). I currently live in Berkshire.
I also collect all Spurs books (and have everyone printed), Spurs handbooks (from 1920s onwards, Spurs programmes (since the 40s).
Previously, I wrote for Spurs Fanzines: The Spur, Spur of the Moment, My Eyes have seen the Glory and various other Spurs fanzines’. I also wrote for the SpursWeb app & its website.
I currently write and work for spursnetwork.com and its website. I write its Reviews & Match reports and a lot more.
My other interests are; reading, history, social history, Politics, going to the gym, wine, going out for a meal, music (all sorts), writing, theatre, concerts, holidays, socialising etc.
I have been writing blogs/ articles since 1989
If you wish to read more of my blog, please click “here”