Daniel Levy’s exit leaves Tottenham fans ‘shocked and thrilled’

Daniel Levy’s exit from Tottenham has “shocked and thrilled” Spurs fans in equal measure, a supporters’ website editor has said.

Tottenham announced on Thursday evening Levy had stood down as executive chairman after almost 25 years, though reports have since emerged that the change was orchestrated by the Lewis family trust which controls ownership of the club.

Levy has borne the brunt of fan criticism that the club have invested heavily in infrastructure but less so on the pitch, and Seb Jenkins, the chief editor of Spurs-web.com, said: “It’s fair to say that Daniel Levy’s exit has shocked and thrilled most of the Tottenham fanbase in equal measure.

“Over recent years, he has received a lot of fair criticism over his mistakes and shortcomings, although perhaps now he will also receive the credit he deserves for growing the club so dramatically.

“Nothing against him personally, but hopefully Levy’s exit will trigger a new era for Spurs, where we show a lot more on-field ambition now that we have such stable foundations.

“Tottenham need to push for big, big trophies and I don’t think Levy was the man to get us there, even if he was the perfect person to get us to the brink.”

It has been reported that a review by an American firm, the Gibb River Group, was the catalyst for recent off-field changes, including the appointment of Vinai Venkatesham as chief executive and Peter Charrington as a non-executive director. In announcing Levy was standing down, Spurs confirmed Charrington would now occupy a newly-created role as non-executive chairman.

Reports have quoted sources close to the Lewis family saying they “want what the fans want – more wins, more often” which has prompted the “fresh approach”.

Levy’s exit has prompted fresh speculation around the sale of the club. In past speculation around the sale of a minority stake, Spurs’ value has been reported at £3.75billion.

Spurs have previously been linked with investment from Qatar – whether the country’s sovereign wealth fund or private individuals – or from the United States.

Levy had been instrumental in bringing in new Spurs head coach Thomas Frank this summer, following the departure of Ange Postecoglou despite the club’s success in the Europa League last season after finishing 17th in the Premier League on the back of a club-record 22 defeats.

There were, though, growing frustrations within some of the Spurs fanbase over a perceived lack of progress under Levy’s long tenure, after a string of managers had come and gone without being able to deliver silverware.