Daniel Levy steps down as Tottenham chairman after 24 years

• Daniel Levy has left his role as Tottenham chairman after nearly a quarter of a century in charge, with Peter Charrington appointed as his successor.
• Levy said he was “incredibly proud” of building Spurs into a “global heavyweight” but admitted “it hasn’t always been an easy journey.”
• Charrington described it as “a new era of leadership” for a club that has undergone major change in recent months.

Tottenham Hotspur confirmed on Thursday that Daniel Levy has stepped down as executive chairman with immediate effect, bringing an end to a 24-year tenure that transformed the club’s infrastructure but delivered only two trophies.

Levy was appointed in March 2001 and oversaw the redevelopment of Tottenham’s White Hart Lane home into a state-of-the-art stadium regarded as one of the finest in football, alongside the construction of a cutting-edge training centre at Hotspur Way. However, his long reign was also defined by frustration from sections of the support, who often accused him of prioritising finances over footballing ambition.

Peter Charrington, a director of owners ENIC who only joined the board as a non-executive director in March, has been confirmed as Levy’s successor. Sources told ESPN that Spurs have been in talks with potential investors — and even explored the possibility of a sale — although the current state of discussions is unclear.

In a statement, Levy reflected on his tenure: “I am incredibly proud of the work I have done together with the executive team and all our employees. We have built this club into a global heavyweight competing at the highest level. More than that, we have built a community. I was lucky enough to work with some of the greatest people in this sport, from the team at Lilywhite House and Hotspur Way to all the players and managers over the years. I wish to thank all the fans that have supported me over the years. It hasn’t always been an easy journey but significant progress has been made. I will continue to support this club passionately.”

Tottenham confirmed there are no changes to the shareholder structure. ENIC owns 86.58% of the club, with Levy retaining 29.88% of ENIC. In its own statement, the club praised Levy’s impact: “Tottenham Hotspur has been transformed over the last quarter of a century. It has played in European competitions in the last 18 of 20 seasons, becoming one of the world’s most recognised football clubs, consistently investing in its academy, players and facilities, including a new, world-class stadium and state of the art training centre. The club has also competed regularly at the highest level, enjoying a number of fantastic on-field successes, including the recent Europa League cup win.”

The succession process has been in motion for several months, with Vinai Venkatesham joining as CEO, Thomas Frank appointed as men’s head coach, and Martin Ho taking charge of the women’s team. Donna-Maria Cullen, a close ally of Levy, stepped down earlier this summer, while chief football officer Scott Munn left in June.

Charrington said he was determined to usher in stability: “I am very honoured to become non-executive chairman of this extraordinary club and, on behalf of the board, I would like to thank Daniel and his family for their commitment and loyalty to the club over so many years. This is a new era of leadership for the club, on and off the pitch. I do recognise there has been a lot of change in recent months as we put in place new foundations for the future. We are now fully focused on stability and empowering our talented people across the Club, led by Vinai and his executive team.”

Levy’s final months in charge were turbulent. He dismissed Ange Postecoglou in June, just 16 days after the Australian ended Spurs’ 17-year trophy drought by lifting the Europa League against Manchester United. Postecoglou was replaced by Frank, who has made an encouraging start despite losing his last league match before the international break at home to Bournemouth.

Fan protests were a recurring theme under Levy’s leadership. Many accused him of lacking the ambition to turn Spurs into serial winners. Speaking last month, Levy addressed those critics: “Of course it hurts. But their pain is also my pain. I want to win, and when we are not playing well and not winning, believe me, I suffer as well.”