After nearly 25 years at the helm, Daniel Levy has stepped down as executive chairman of Tottenham Hotspur. The announcement marks the end of an era for the North London club, a period defined by significant transformation but also persistent frustration for fans yearning for consistent silverware. While Levy's departure was announced on September 4, 2025, the move appears to have been initiated by the club's majority shareholders, the Lewis family, who are seeking a "new era" with "more wins more often".
Levy's tenure is a complex legacy of both remarkable achievement and perceived shortcomings. He is credited with transforming Tottenham into a financial powerhouse, boasting a world-class stadium and training facilities. Under his leadership, Spurs became one of the richest football clubs globally, ranked ninth in Deloitte's Money League with an annual turnover of £512 million. The club consistently participated in European competitions, establishing itself as a recognized global brand.
However, Levy's reign was also marked by a lack of consistent success on the pitch, fueling discontent among supporters. Despite the club's financial growth and state-of-the-art infrastructure, Tottenham only secured two trophies during his 24-year stint: the 2008 League Cup and the Europa League in May of the previous year. This scarcity of silverware, coupled with a reputation for shrewd but sometimes restrictive financial management, made Levy a contentious figure among the Tottenham faithful.
One of the key criticisms leveled against Levy was his perceived reluctance to invest heavily in players, leading to accusations of prioritizing financial stability over on-field success. While he oversaw the recruitment of talented players, fans often felt the club missed opportunities to acquire top-tier talent that could elevate them to title contenders. This cautious approach, while ensuring the club's financial health, often clashed with the fans' desire for more ambitious spending in the transfer market.
Furthermore, Levy's tendency to frequently change managers – thirteen in total, excluding caretakers – also drew criticism. While searching for the "winning formula" is understandable, the constant turnover created instability and hindered the development of a consistent team identity. The recent appointment of Thomas Frank as the new men's head coach, following the departure of Ange Postecoglou, highlights this pattern.
The appointment of Vinai Venkatesham as CEO in April 2025 was viewed as a significant step in the club's succession planning. Venkatesham, formerly with Arsenal, is expected to take a more prominent role in the day-to-day operations of the club. Peter Charrington, a director of ENIC and former CEO of Citi Private Bank, will assume the newly created role of Non-Executive Chairman. These changes signal a shift in leadership and a desire for a new approach to achieve long-term success.
Levy's departure marks a turning point for Tottenham Hotspur. The club is at a crossroads, seeking to build on the foundations laid during his tenure while addressing the persistent desire for more consistent on-field success. Whether the new leadership structure can deliver the trophies that have eluded the club for so long remains to be seen.
