Levy gone; is it a new dawn for Spurs?
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
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