Levy in: It is all about the money

 

This is an article sent to me by Peter J Arnold. These are not necessary my views, however, a different perspective never hurt anybody. Some will agree, others will probably say he is blinded by Levy's witchery. Do you think Levy is a Saint or Sinner? Whatever, I would be interested in your views on this article? All the best, Glenn

Levy in: It is all about the money

By Peter J Arnold

Ever since the bulldozers started tearing down the Shelf at White Hart Lane in the 80s, the anti-capitalists (the purists) have been out in full force. “No,” to the Shelf, they cried, which prompted thousands of column inches dedicated to the capitalist/ Chairman’s greed in football. But, alas, it was still built, and the rich owners (who participated in wealth for their clubs) have never looked back.

A few mishaps along the way saw us nearly go into bankruptcy, but then along came the millionaire Alan Sugar, along with his Geezer puppet (who was quickly dispensed with), and a new dawn started.

The Beginning; 1882

A group of cricket-loving boys decided one summers day to form a football club to occupy their time in their cricket-winter- break. Eventually, as the club grew, it was decided to turn the Hotspur football club into a Limited company, and the very long and winding road to capitalism began.

Bobby Buckle, one of the founding fathers, left the club he created because he did not like the direction the club was going in. But the truth of the matter was, the club had outgrown him.

Years came, years went by, and Spurs went rolling along.

In the first 69 years of its existence, the club only won two significant trophies (the FA Cup in 1901 & 1921) before they hit the entrance – just after the war – to the up and coming golden age. The 50s started with the club capturing the League’s First Division title with Arthur Rowe's Push & Run team, then a lull before the storm. Just before the swinging sixties were about to hit us, Spurs, under the stewardship of Bill Nicholson, started to build. Enter the gold era of sixties music, the golden age of TV, men on the moon, and so much more. Part of that golden era was Spurs winning the double (the first club to do so in the 20^th century). The following year the FA Cup followed; the year after that (1963), we became the first British team to win a European trophy (The Cup Winners’ Cup). One more award was to come our way before that decade finished, along with the beginnings of a fracture to the world’s most famous pop group, the Beatles, and that was the FA Cup in 1967 (the year, also, that the Beatles manager died, Brian Epstein).

The 60s turned into the 70s, and three more trophies were captured (2 League Cups & one UEFA Cup), followed by relegation. But only one season in Division Two before our then-new manager – Keith Burkinshaw - bounced us back into Division One. Burkinshaw then brought us into the 80s with two famous Argentinians (Ardiles & Villa), which helped capture three more trophies (2 FA Cups & 1 UEFA Cup) before leaving the club disenchanted.

A new era

The 80s turned into the 90s and the escape from extinction and two trophies (FA Cup & League Cup). Alan Sugar travelled from the 90s to the new century and then made way for the ENIC group (Levy & Lewis)to take charge.

A Long and winding road to light at the end of the tunnel

Unknown to us then, Levy (the brains behind the Lewis & Levy partnership) had a vision of restoring and building on our historic legacy. God was going to shine his light on our Jewish (adopted) sacred ground, and a phoenix would rise out of the ashes.

Under Levy's reign, we only won one trophy – which is often highlighted (& criticised) – ignoring Levy's real legacy, building a gigantic amphitheatre that took the world by storm. A money-machine-instrument that will bring the club billions, without even mentioning all the purchased land around the stadium for gentrification. In other words, the eventual building of a wealthy-paradise-London (N17)-borough. But we are getting ahead of ourselves.

Money and football have always gone hand in hand. In the 60s, we were known as the bank of England. Eventually, the Wale's, Richardson’s and Bearman families were ousted in favour of an intelligent businessman under the name of Irving Scholar, who meant well but took us to the brink of bankruptcy. Still, his thinking was in the right place. Sugar replaced him, who was then replaced by Billionaire owner (Joe Lewis) and his ambitious Tottenham Hotspur loving sidekick Daniel Levy (a man who stood on the terraces as a kid).

Anybody who knows anything about business knows you have to build from the ground up to create that kingdom, which is precisely what Levy is doing. Once the money comes rolling in and debts paid, then and only then can the Spurs board start to put real money into building a team to challenge the football elites. And we will.

No offence to previous writers on this blog, but it is often mentioned that the other 5 elite English and their European rich-exclusive clubs have won countless trophies. In contrast, the Tottenham team have won nothing, but we must look at the bigger picture.

Daniel Levy has often said that the amount of money thrown at the other clubs' managers "is not sustainable" unless the money is there (out of profits). Clubs like Real Madrid, Barcelona and Manchester United are living in debt and borrowed time. It is a devils-hole we must not fall into. From that perspective, you can see the wisdom of Daniel Levy and what he has in store for us. Then we can rise and rise again until we become an Iron fisted-Cockerel that floats on the Glory of the past, present and future.

Levy and co may be mocked now, but there will be a time when Levy, the stadium and the team will be revered. Come back in another 50 years, where they will be Gods of football, and a statue will be erected in honour of those that will bring us all that Glory.

You do not have to take my word for it, just look at what has arisen out of the old White Hart Lane stadium’s ashes. We are only at the beginning of that journey. Patience!

By Peter J Arnold

It is finally here, a new super book about the greats, Glories and all you want to know about the Tottenham great players (we are not worthy!) who have graced White Hart Lane and beyond. Sixty years ago this month, the Greatest Football club in the world won the double with probably the most outstanding team on this planet. 

Has your eye's seen the Glory? If yes (or even no) click HERE and follow the link, then they/ you will, and for those that are longer in the tooth (in other words, old like me).... be prepared to be dazzled all over again!

COYS!