What will be Levy’s legacy as his Spurs era ends?

Tottenham Hotspur’s executive chairman Daniel Levy – who has “stepped down” after almost 25 years – will always be regarded as one of the most contentious figures in their history.

He was the driving force behind the world-class infrastructure that the current club, including the stunning new £1 billion stadium, which stands out among its competitors, and the stunning Hotspur Way training facility in Enfield.

However, Levy’s time at the top was always overshadowed by the lack of success associated with his reign, rather than being praised for these towering accomplishments.

While he still retains a minority ownership but will not be involved in the day-to-day running of the club, the news of Levy’s exit will be greeted with undisguised delight by a large percentage of the Spurs fanbase.

When the 63-year-old’s life is told and his legacy is established, it will be one of financial and structural success but underachieving.

Levy will also be associated with instability forever, with the revolving door of 12 fired managers helping Spurs reach 16 semi-finals and seven finals, not including the most recent Uefa Super Cup.

And it is the lack of silverware that will always cast a dark cloud over his chairmanship.

When his accomplishments in the field are reflected upon, history will be kind, but it is impossible to deny them.

Spurs and Levy struggled to find meaningful success in Europe despite having a nearly permanent presence in the top half of the Premier League.

In the Champions League final, Spurs lost 2-0 to Liverpool in Madrid, which was Spurs’ closest match of the year.

But, even then, what promised to be the start of a new golden era ended in acrimony.

As a result of that defeat, Mauricio Pochettino, a highly regarded manager, struggled to secure the support he deserved, leading to his dismissal six months later.

Levy’s critics found that by setting his team up on a solid financial footing, they were too frequently compared to clubs that had consistently achieved success.

His business acumen was never in doubt, with football finance expert Kieran Maguire describing the Londoners as the “most profitable club in Premier League history” because of the money their new stadium generates, a historically lower wage structure and a “degree of caution” on transfer spending.

Levy’s continued rise to become a target for supporters’ fury throughout his tenure, which never led to tangible success measured by silverware.

Regular protests took place outside games, with one prominent banner giving a nod to the famous phrase used by legendary former captain Danny Blanchflower.

It read “Our game is about glory, Levy’s game is about greed”, while another was “24 years, 16 managers, 1 trophy – time for change”.

When Thomas Frank succeeded Postecoglou as Levy’s 14th permanent manager, he became the first.

In his quest for success, Levy has attracted proven, high-class Premier League winners such as Jose Mourinho – bizarrely sacked days before the 2021 Carabao Cup final against Manchester City – and Antonio Conte.

Nuno Espirito Santo’s appointment, which came to an end after only four months in charge, was also a failure.

Despite all the turns and turns, the only thing that remained constant was that the Europa League was won.

Levy’s reputation as a hard-headed businessman – with former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson famously describing him as “more painful to deal with than a hip replacement” – disguised a rarely-seen softer side.

Levy, a workaholic chairman whose only concern was keeping Spurs running in a way that would bring about results off the pitch, was “hurt” by those close to him, claimed that his failures caused him as much pain as any supporters, and that sources who disagreed that he didn’t care about winning any awards as “nonsense” were “nonsense.”

This was unfavorable to supporters’ groups Change for Tottenham (CFT), who regularly criticized him, and the Tottenham Hotspur Supporters’ Trust (THST), who regularly did the same.

Change has been in the wind at Spurs in recent months, leading to speculation about future ownership, but Levy’s departure – from the role he has held since 2001 – was a seismic moment.

Peter Charrington takes on the new position of non-executive chairman, replacing Vinai Venkatesham, who was previously the CEO of Arsenal.

Many Spurs fans will not mourn the latest developments but there are two sides to the Levy story.

Forbes earlier this year valued Spurs at £2.6 billion; at the same time, he took over control of football affairs in 2001, for a sum of £80 million.

Former Tottenham manager David Pleat stated on BBC Radio Five Live: “It’s quite incredible to achieve success in the modern game without mega money.”

” The stadium is magnificent, nobody can rival the training ground, and the club is on a good footing and he has always been sensible.

Daniel Levy, who guards his club’s finances and protects it, is no more tenable than any other chairman. I don’t believe there is anyone more wise to serve as the club’s custodian. I would say he has looked after the club well”.

Despite this, Levy’s relentless negotiating zeal, which included being ruthless and determined to win the best deal, has been a constant criticism of him during his time as chairman.

Recently, he received criticism for stealing England’s Eberechi Eze away from him by Arsenal.

Spurs had been involved in lengthy negotiations with Crystal Palace, but left the door ajar enough for their bitter north London rivals to swoop to clinch a £60m deal just hours after Levy had finally agreed the fine detail of the move.

When Harry Kane, the all-time best goalscorer, thought he had “a gentleman’s agreement” with Levy that he could leave the club if they finished outside the top four, he was able to demonstrate his ruthless edge.

Levy forcibly tossed that opinion, forcing a disenchanted Kane to remain. Spurs eventually sold him to Bayern Munich for an initial £86.4m in August 2023, a deal he regarded as financially sensible for the 30-year-old England striker.

Although limelight and public speaking have never been his strong suit, Levy’s coworkers have described him as “shy, quiet, and hardworking,” not the cold person of perception.

According to sources close to Levy, “he did not surround himself with the best people” and “his discomfort with public speaking meant his messages did not always translate,” as one said, “One interview or being visible once a year is not a lot.”

Levy also invited widespread criticism when he used the Government’s furlough scheme during the Covid pandemic, then when he phased out concession tickets for seniors.

The private Levy was a rare sight at the post-game victory party following the Europa League win in May.

He grabbed a microphone, punched the air, and yelled, “We’re champions,” while wearing a Spurs shirt. This has been a very long time coming. We’ve made history, and I want to thank Ange, the entire coaching staff, and the players. You two have forever changed history.

” Hopefully it is going to get us on the road to where we absolutely deserve to be, which is at the very top. “

Postecoglou received his next blessing when he was fired.