Tottenham Hotspur chairman finally shows some accountability, regret

Tottenham Hotspur Chairman Daniel Levy issued an official announcement, finally taking some accountability for the current state of affairs at the club. 

Some will say it’s just another public relations stunt from a media-savvy chairman. That Levy is merely assuaging the abundance of pressure he and the ownership group are under.

A much smaller percentage of Spurs supporters will believe the contrary, that Levy’s statement is genuine and authentic, full of accountability and humility. Whichever side of the fence you sit, it is refreshing to see the chairman take, albeit indirectly, some accountability for Tottenham’s year-long malaise.

The club’s regression over the last 18 months, brought on by numerous hapless, short-sighted and hapless decisions, has potentially crippled Tottenham’s long-term prosperity. Just as importantly, the last year and a half has further damaged Levy’s relationship with supporters in all corners of the globe.

Actions speak much louder than words, which Levy, from the handling of Mauricio Pochettino’s dismissal to the unilateral decision to include Spurs in the Super League, has proven repeatedly. And while his latest statement is merely just another set of well-constructed, emotive words, at least there’s an admission of regret and a plan to make things right.

Here’s an excerpt from Levy’s message to supporters:

"As a Club we have been so focused on delivering the stadium and dealing with the impact of the pandemic, that I feel we lost sight of some key priorities and what’s truly in our DNA. Our work in the community and with the NHS is an example of when we get it right, but we don’t get everything right. It has never been because we don’t care about or respect you, our fans – nothing could be further from the truth.We have announced we shall establish a Club Advisory Panel that we believe will provide wide, authentic representation and ensure our fans are at the heart of Club decisions, with the Chair to be appointed annually as a Non-Executive of the Board with full voting rights, a first for any Premier League club.We shall focus on the recruitment of a new Head Coach. We are acutely aware of the need to select someone whose values reflect those of our great Club and return to playing football with the style for which we are known – free-flowing, attacking and entertaining – whilst continuing to embrace our desire to see young players flourish from our Academy alongside experienced talent."

Large sectors of supporters believe ardently that Levy and ENIC have caused irreparable damage to the club, and the only way forward is their collective resignation. If we’re being honest, that outcome is more unlikely than Levy releasing in short succession another sentimental, culpability-laden press release.

So maybe it’s in everyone’s best interest if Tottenham land moves from laying blame to finding common ground, a way to eventually reconcile the taxing current state of anger and despair.

That is only possible, however, if Levy’s latest words are actually reflected by action.