Daniel Levy steps down as Tottenham chairman after 24 years
Daniel Levy has sensationally stepped down from his role as Tottenham executive chairman with immediate effect.
Levy leaves his position in north London after almost 25 years at the helm, with Spurs confirming his shock departure on Thursday evening.
The 63-year-old was appointed Spurs chairman in 2001, stepping down four months on from the club’s Europa League triumph – their first silverware in 17 years.
That success was accompanied, however, by a dismal 17th place finish in the Premier League last season.
He departs as the longest-serving chairman in the Premier League.
‘I am incredibly proud of the work I have done together with the executive team and all our employees,’ Levy said.
‘We have built this club into a global heavyweight competing at the highest level. More than that, we have built a community. I was lucky enough to work with some of the greatest people in this sport, from the team at Lilywhite House and Hotspur Way, to all the players and managers over the years.
‘I wish to thank all the fans that have supported me over the years. It hasn’t always been an easy journey, but significant progress has been made. I will continue to support this club passionately.’
Levy’s departure comes as Spurs continue their ‘succession planning,’ which has seen a number of key appointments made this year.
On the pitch, Thomas Frank replaced Ange Postecoglou as head coach over the summer after Levy sacked the Australian 16 days after leading them to European glory.
Elsewhere, Vinai Venkatesham was named new chief executive in April. Peter Charrington steps into a new non-executive chairman role.
Charrington said: ‘I am very honored to become Non-Executive Chairman of this extraordinary Club and, on behalf of the Board, I would like to thank Daniel and his family for their commitment and loyalty to the Club over so many years.
‘This is a new era of leadership for the club, on and off the pitch. I do recognize there has been a lot of change in recent months as we put in place new foundations for the future.
‘We are now fully focused on stability and empowering our talented people across the Club, led by Vinai and his executive team.’
How will Tottenham fans remember Daniel Levy?
Levy’s departure comes after a summer transfer window where the club spent £170 million on new signings. During his time overseeing football operations, he presided over the biggest transfers in the club’s history, including the departures of club icons Gareth Bale and Harry Kane in 2013 and 2023.
Levy also oversaw Tottenham’s move to their new stadium in 2022 after leaving White Hart Lane for the 62,000-seater venue. He was also the driving force behind their state-of-the-art training facilities at Hotspur Way, which opened in 2012.
While Tottenham consistently qualified for European competition, Levy’s tenure was often accompanied by turbulence with fan protests taking place as recently as April.
Tottenham have been accused of lacking intent in the transfer market and falling behind their rivals despite the considerable commercial success of their new stadium, which regularly hosts major events outside of football.
Frugal spending and a series of failed managerial appointments increased pressure on Levy, who was often accused of caring more about profits than on-field success.
Under Mauricio Pochettino, one of the many managers ruthlessly sacked by Levy, Spurs reached the Champions League final in 2019 but failed to truly take the next step beyond that point.
One banner displayed at Tottenham’s ground last season accurately summed up his polarizing presence, reading: ’24 years, 16 managers, 1 trophy – time for change.’
Who is new CEO Vinai Venkatesham?
Spurs appointed Venkatesham as their new CEO in April.
Venkatesham previously served as CEO at arch-rivals Arsenal, making the short trip across town tasked with taking Tottenham forward.
Before his role in the red half of north London, he was part of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games and is currently a non-executive director of the British Olympic Association.
He was formerly a member of the Board and Executive Committee of the European Club Association (ECA).
Head of Investigations
Read more similar news:
Comments:
comments powered by Disqus
