Levy OUT.

[J.spurs]

I've been thinking about this a lot.

A colleague was texting me during the recent City game, saying (correctly) that we were bottling it, and trying to stick the knife in by rehashing all the old 'Spursy' bullshit. I say it's bullshit, because over the long haul, the club basically performs pretty much where you'd expect relative to the amount of money ENIC spend (on players, I mean). Basically we bottle it not because we're Spursy, but because (to go back to the City game),they have players like Bernardo Silva and De Bruyne to bring off the bench, and we don't.

Thinking of Wrexham, the feel-good story of the FA Cup this year. Fair enough, but they are successful only because a couple of American actors poured in money to buy League One level players and a League One level manager to compete in the Conference. Of course they're going to win before long. In the PL Newcastle will soon be joining City in winning everything. Maybe Chelsea too, assuming Boehly doesn't get tired of throwing money away. Spurs, on the other hand, are winning nothing, and probably won't win anything under ENIC, who essentially run the club to make a profit. I know none of this hasn't been said a million times on here.

Basically I'm worried that what comes next will be worse. At best it will be some prick buffoon like Boehly or Elon Musk, or a hedge fund looking to leverage an internationally-recognized "brand" to borrow money against. At worst it will be a sovereign wealth fund from some country that is buying the club to distract the world from their other side projects like incinerating Yemen and executing LGBT people. Levy is horrible, but to my knowledge his henchmen aren't chopping people up or attaching electric leads to their balls for publicly criticizing him.

So these days its almost like we're stuck with a shitty choice: either be run by businessmen who prioritize the finances over winning, or by someone who owns the club as a PR screen for either human rights abuses or having a tiny dick. Maybe there's a third way like the group that own Liverpool, but these seem few and far between nowadays, and they're trying to sell up now too.

I'll be honest: I really don't give a fuck about Levy. I'd be happy if we just got Poch back, brought through some young players, played football that we could be proud of, and come what may. I don't begrudge people who want trophies at all costs, but football is so fucked right now, and I hate that we have to make it that little bit worse to be competitive.

Sorry for the bleakness. Maybe we'll win on Sunday.

 

[Havocc]

Levy has spoken in response to the THST questions. The reply almost comes across as a ‘fuck you from criticising what we are trying to do” and “we are trying”. it appears as though they skirted around the Conte question.

Here are THFC ‘s responses to the Trust’s questions:

1. Will the Club share its medium and long-term strategy for success, both on and off the pitch? How is the Club measuring progress and how does it judge current outcomes against those measurements?

In the last 20 years the Club has qualified for European competition 17 times – 13 of which are currently successive - including six Champions League campaigns. We set out our business model in last year’s Financial Results announcement and below is the relevant section:

“Foundations in place
…… Since ENIC became the majority shareholder in 2001 we have had a clear three-step strategy. Firstly, we worked to improve football performance and, whilst no one club has a right to a smooth, continuous, upward trajectory, we have seen the club rise from middle to bottom-of-the-table finishes to being in European competition in 15 out of the last 16 seasons.

Secondly, we built a state-of-the-art training centre to attract, train and retain the best talent, both for the Academy and the First Team. We have gone on to do far more than that with the delivery of our award-winning player accommodation, ‘The Lodge’, which has been instrumental in providing exceptional rest and recovery facilities for players and, during COVID-19 times….

Thirdly, we set out to deliver an increased capacity stadium that would not only generate greater matchday revenues, but also the opportunity for more fans to attend games. Our Club could not remain competitive with one of the smallest stadiums in the Premier League.

….Having delivered our training centre, The Lodge and stadium we shall not stand still, we shall continue to innovate and ensure the most exceptional player, fan and visitor experiences.

Our building blocks for the future success of the Club are now firmly in place.

Our Club strategy
Going forward, therefore, our strategy is clear - to drive and generate revenues to invest in all of our football activities. Football success, in turn, supports the growth of our Club, our fanbase and consequently wider, commercial opportunities and partnerships, which then deliver further revenue to reinvest in football - the virtuous, sustainable circle on which our Club model is based.

We shall develop new and diverse revenue streams to increase recurring revenues. Third party events such as conferencing, NFL, concerts, boxing and rugby are all examples of this. Our stadium is a key component to our revenue growth yet, unbelievably, we have still not seen and enjoyed a full season in our new stadium with attendances.

We shall continue to invest in our senior management and our staff to deliver this and look to decrease our reliance on football revenues alone, such that we protect our Club’s long-term sustainability.” (Year end 30 June 2021)

We have delivered world class facilities which are in place to generate income for investment in our football activities. Our stadium debt is long-term ensuring limited impact on the Club’s ability to invest.

Completing the stadium was always a key step in our strategy of increasing and diversifying recurring revenues to fund our football activities. The COVID-19 pandemic saw a two year disruption and a loss of circa £200m, but we are now back on the planned journey of growth. We have seen the return of football, third party events and visitor attractions income. Growing our revenues is essential for the Club to continue to have the ability to invest in players.

We want to be consistently qualifying for the Champions League and challenging for and winning major honours. Returning to the Champions League this season was important – although we acknowledge the number of teams competing for those four places. We are working hard to build a strong, deep squad with a winning mentality. There has been a detailed review of all departments on the football side of the Club in order to constantly improve and changes have been – and continue to be – made to ensure we remain competitive, attract and retain the best players and continue to progress. Improved recruitment and a world class academy are vital to our future success.

2. The manager employed by the Club has not signed a new contract and tells us that we should lower our expectations about on-field outcomes. He has said publicly that the Club needs to spend big money every window just to compete. How does this align with the Board’s philosophy for achieving success?

Like everyone at the Club, our Head Coach wants the team to compete for top honours. The Club has invested heavily in the squad. This is a continual process with the aim of standing the Club in good stead on the pitch for years to come. Since opening the stadium in April 2019 we have spent more than £500m putting us in the top quartile of spending in the Premier League - and we have made significant investments in the Women’s team too. In addition to the summer investment of over £200m we have committed to a further £47m spend this January.

Despite this we consistently see references to our perceived lack of backing for head coaches and lack of spending.
It’s important that we deal with facts - our spend levels quite clearly show that we have backed our football side. There is always a fine line between long-term investment and short-termism – which is why our recruitment has to be first class. Mistakes at this level leave a financial and sporting impact for future seasons. We have felt the financial impact of supporting player purchases which have not worked out as hoped. We have taken steps to improve this area of operations and the recent windows reflect this.

3. Are you satisfied with player recruitment in recent transfer windows and with the performance of the youth teams and the development and supply of younger players through to the first team? Are there any plans to improve this?

Answered above. We are excited by the young talents we have at the academy. We have always ensured a clear pathway for youth to progress to the First Team, along with a development system that includes strategic loans. In respect of new young players, Jude Soonsup-Bell is a great addition to our U21s.

4. Does the Club have a plan for further investment to ensure that the Club remains competitive on the pitch in the face of substantial additional investment by other Premier League clubs? Is the Club closer to securing a naming rights provider? Is there a plan for further investment from ENIC, or from other potential investors or buyers?

Answered in part above. In response to the latter part of this question: all our conversations with third parties are confidential. With specific reference to naming rights, we are clear that any deal has to be right for the Club, notwithstanding we currently have our own name proudly on the stadium receiving global recognition.

Financial sustainability has been fundamental to how we have run this Club. Our aim has always been to combine the financial stability of the Club with remaining competitive on the pitch.

The ENIC investment was timely and critical as we emerged from the pandemic and sought to stay competitive on the pitch. We are ever-conscious of the new capital injected into other clubs which has seen player transfer spending increase significantly.

We should be mindful, however, of the implications of the changes to the governance of the game which will compel greater sustainability and financial fair play (FFP). Major changes have been introduced in Europe around FFP regulations, including the newly launched UEFA financial sustainability rules, the full impact of which will be felt from season 2025/26. They are based on three pillars: solvency, stability and cost control and clubs will have three seasons to adjust to them. Many expect that these new rules will be a game changer for the sport. We should also allow for the possibility of even tighter regulations.

 

[Don Diaz]

Levy has spoken in response to the THST questions. The reply almost comes across as a ‘fuck you from criticising what we are trying to do” and “we are trying”. it appears as though they skirted around the Conte question.

Here are THFC ‘s responses to the Trust’s questions:

1. Will the Club share its medium and long-term strategy for success, both on and off the pitch? How is the Club measuring progress and how does it judge current outcomes against those measurements?

In the last 20 years the Club has qualified for European competition 17 times – 13 of which are currently successive - including six Champions League campaigns. We set out our business model in last year’s Financial Results announcement and below is the relevant section:

“Foundations in place
…… Since ENIC became the majority shareholder in 2001 we have had a clear three-step strategy. Firstly, we worked to improve football performance and, whilst no one club has a right to a smooth, continuous, upward trajectory, we have seen the club rise from middle to bottom-of-the-table finishes to being in European competition in 15 out of the last 16 seasons.

Secondly, we built a state-of-the-art training centre to attract, train and retain the best talent, both for the Academy and the First Team. We have gone on to do far more than that with the delivery of our award-winning player accommodation, ‘The Lodge’, which has been instrumental in providing exceptional rest and recovery facilities for players and, during COVID-19 times….

Thirdly, we set out to deliver an increased capacity stadium that would not only generate greater matchday revenues, but also the opportunity for more fans to attend games. Our Club could not remain competitive with one of the smallest stadiums in the Premier League.

….Having delivered our training centre, The Lodge and stadium we shall not stand still, we shall continue to innovate and ensure the most exceptional player, fan and visitor experiences.

Our building blocks for the future success of the Club are now firmly in place.

Our Club strategy
Going forward, therefore, our strategy is clear - to drive and generate revenues to invest in all of our football activities. Football success, in turn, supports the growth of our Club, our fanbase and consequently wider, commercial opportunities and partnerships, which then deliver further revenue to reinvest in football - the virtuous, sustainable circle on which our Club model is based.

We shall develop new and diverse revenue streams to increase recurring revenues. Third party events such as conferencing, NFL, concerts, boxing and rugby are all examples of this. Our stadium is a key component to our revenue growth yet, unbelievably, we have still not seen and enjoyed a full season in our new stadium with attendances.

We shall continue to invest in our senior management and our staff to deliver this and look to decrease our reliance on football revenues alone, such that we protect our Club’s long-term sustainability.” (Year end 30 June 2021)

We have delivered world class facilities which are in place to generate income for investment in our football activities. Our stadium debt is long-term ensuring limited impact on the Club’s ability to invest.

Completing the stadium was always a key step in our strategy of increasing and diversifying recurring revenues to fund our football activities. The COVID-19 pandemic saw a two year disruption and a loss of circa £200m, but we are now back on the planned journey of growth. We have seen the return of football, third party events and visitor attractions income. Growing our revenues is essential for the Club to continue to have the ability to invest in players.

We want to be consistently qualifying for the Champions League and challenging for and winning major honours. Returning to the Champions League this season was important – although we acknowledge the number of teams competing for those four places. We are working hard to build a strong, deep squad with a winning mentality. There has been a detailed review of all departments on the football side of the Club in order to constantly improve and changes have been – and continue to be – made to ensure we remain competitive, attract and retain the best players and continue to progress. Improved recruitment and a world class academy are vital to our future success.

2. The manager employed by the Club has not signed a new contract and tells us that we should lower our expectations about on-field outcomes. He has said publicly that the Club needs to spend big money every window just to compete. How does this align with the Board’s philosophy for achieving success?

Like everyone at the Club, our Head Coach wants the team to compete for top honours. The Club has invested heavily in the squad. This is a continual process with the aim of standing the Club in good stead on the pitch for years to come. Since opening the stadium in April 2019 we have spent more than £500m putting us in the top quartile of spending in the Premier League - and we have made significant investments in the Women’s team too. In addition to the summer investment of over £200m we have committed to a further £47m spend this January.

Despite this we consistently see references to our perceived lack of backing for head coaches and lack of spending.
It’s important that we deal with facts - our spend levels quite clearly show that we have backed our football side. There is always a fine line between long-term investment and short-termism – which is why our recruitment has to be first class. Mistakes at this level leave a financial and sporting impact for future seasons. We have felt the financial impact of supporting player purchases which have not worked out as hoped. We have taken steps to improve this area of operations and the recent windows reflect this.

3. Are you satisfied with player recruitment in recent transfer windows and with the performance of the youth teams and the development and supply of younger players through to the first team? Are there any plans to improve this?

Answered above. We are excited by the young talents we have at the academy. We have always ensured a clear pathway for youth to progress to the First Team, along with a development system that includes strategic loans. In respect of new young players, Jude Soonsup-Bell is a great addition to our U21s.

4. Does the Club have a plan for further investment to ensure that the Club remains competitive on the pitch in the face of substantial additional investment by other Premier League clubs? Is the Club closer to securing a naming rights provider? Is there a plan for further investment from ENIC, or from other potential investors or buyers?

Answered in part above. In response to the latter part of this question: all our conversations with third parties are confidential. With specific reference to naming rights, we are clear that any deal has to be right for the Club, notwithstanding we currently have our own name proudly on the stadium receiving global recognition.

Financial sustainability has been fundamental to how we have run this Club. Our aim has always been to combine the financial stability of the Club with remaining competitive on the pitch.

The ENIC investment was timely and critical as we emerged from the pandemic and sought to stay competitive on the pitch. We are ever-conscious of the new capital injected into other clubs which has seen player transfer spending increase significantly.

We should be mindful, however, of the implications of the changes to the governance of the game which will compel greater sustainability and financial fair play (FFP). Major changes have been introduced in Europe around FFP regulations, including the newly launched UEFA financial sustainability rules, the full impact of which will be felt from season 2025/26. They are based on three pillars: solvency, stability and cost control and clubs will have three seasons to adjust to them. Many expect that these new rules will be a game changer for the sport. We should also allow for the possibility of even tighter regulations.

Well I'm not very impressed with very much of that. It simply reinforces for me at least that the football side is overall decreasingly important as they build a huge Sport & Leisure brand. The business model is undisputed and they repeatedly mention 'revenue' , they also mention fan experience - to the best of my knowledge winning football matches is the best experience a fan can have, not a choice of 27 expensive food outlets.

They talk of player investment and backing the manager. But our transfer and recruitment policy is a shambles and has been for some time. The current philosophy of buying average players and hoping they work out is a huge fail and actually wastes money. Matt Doherty the most recent example, but also Sanchez, N'Dombele, Lo Celso, Gil and many others. It is clear and reinforced by this statement that Spurs business model is grow the brand and revenue streams and hope we make top 4 every year - that's enough. Beyonce, the NY Giants, Tyson Fury, and Rugby Union will fill in everything else.....oh and by the way, thanks Harry Kane, you've kept us going for the last 7-8 years but Ms Knowles is going to be more important in the future. Antonio we're not so fussed about you to be honest.

The old THFC is dead, long live the new THFC Sport & Leisure Global brand. Not for me - I don't want to be fan of Boely's Chelsea or Abu Dhabi's City, either, I just want owners who connect with the football fans - which is the name on the stadium and where it all started. We could have invested the same amount of money in players but just bought half of the amount and twice as good quality. It's not rocket science - even if you're a businessman.

LEVY OUT

 

[Glenjamin]

Well I'm not very impressed with very much of that. It simply reinforces for me at least that the football side is overall decreasingly important as they build a huge Sport & Leisure brand. The business model is undisputed and they repeatedly mention 'revenue' , they also mention fan experience - to the best of my knowledge winning football matches is the best experience a fan can have, not a choice of 27 expensive food outlets.

They talk of player investment and backing the manager. But our transfer and recruitment policy is a shambles and has been for some time. The current philosophy of buying average players and hoping they work out is a huge fail and actually wastes money. Matt Doherty the most recent example, but also Sanchez, N'Dombele, Lo Celso, Gil and many others. It is clear and reinforced by this statement that Spurs business model is grow the brand and revenue streams and hope we make top 4 every year - that's enough. Beyonce, the NY Giants, Tyson Fury, and Rugby Union will fill in everything else.....oh and by the way, thanks Harry Kane, you've kept us going for the last 7-8 years but Ms Knowles is going to be more important in the future. Antonio we're not so fussed about you to be honest.

The old THFC is dead, long live the new THFC Sport & Leisure Global brand. Not for me - I don't want to be fan of Boely's Chelsea or Abu Dhabi's City, either, I just want owners who connect with the football fans - which is the name on the stadium and where it all started. We could have invested the same amount of money in players but just bought half of the amount and twice as good quality. It's not rocket science - even if you're a businessman.

LEVY OUT

Last bit there hits the nail on the head. We are terrible at seeing the gaping holes in the team and plugging them with absolute quality instead of buying 3 average players instead. Hate to say it but Arsenal at the minute are a shining example of this. Arteta is seeing the holes and filling them with quality and reaping the reward. United as well. 2 players basically changed them from bollocks to looking pretty tidy again.

 

[Don Diaz]

Last bit there hits the nail on the head. We are terrible at seeing the gaping holes in the team and plugging them with absolute quality instead of buying 3 average players instead. Hate to say it but Arsenal at the minute are a shining example of this. Arteta is seeing the holes and filling them with quality and reaping the reward. United as well. 2 players basically changed them from bollocks to looking pretty tidy again.

As did Liverpool - bought Virgil van Dyck, Mane, and a Keeper won the league and the CL

 

[ClemFandango]

We have taken steps to improve this area of operations and the recent windows reflect this.

So giving Sevilla £21m and two players, having £217m worth of players out on loan and having to cancel the contract of a player who would likely have brought in £15-£20m is an "improvement" huh ?

That whole essay read as one big "fuck you" to the fans written by the Dark Lord himself.

 

[Style And Glory]

Note the common theme amongst the managers under Levy / ENIC:

Conte "I never see the club or sporting director to come here and explain the strategy and the vision of the club... In this type of situation, it's a risk to speak to explain this type of situation. The coach has to stay silent and accept the situation."

Mourinho "I wanted to sign this player when I was at Tottenham, but Tottenham didn't give him to me. He costed 10 million, Tottenham offered 5 million. I had a few face time calls with the boy, he wanted so much to join us. Now he's a top player, Kim [Min-Jae]."

Poch "But it is not the priority to win games. The club needs to be more focused on winning titles." Spring 2018"be brave and take risks"...Summer 2018(1st ever to spend 0)...Fall 18"feeling is the worst"... 2019-2023...

Arry “I really felt we could challenge for the title, we were that close that year... They wouldn’t push the boat out, I ended up bringing in Louis Saha... Ryan Nelson... a free transfer... It was time to have a go and push the boat out but it didn’t happen."

Hoddle "I kept running into dead ends when it came to signings... never had a single conversation with Joe Lewis... lack of funds forced me into compromises... It wasn't the behaviour of a club looking to challenge the elite"

 

[Don Diaz]

Note the common theme amongst the managers under Levy / ENIC:

Conte "I never see the club or sporting director to come here and explain the strategy and the vision of the club... In this type of situation, it's a risk to speak to explain this type of situation. The coach has to stay silent and accept the situation."

Mourinho "I wanted to sign this player when I was at Tottenham, but Tottenham didn't give him to me. He costed 10 million, Tottenham offered 5 million. I had a few face time calls with the boy, he wanted so much to join us. Now he's a top player, Kim [Min-Jae]."

Poch "But it is not the priority to win games. The club needs to be more focused on winning titles." Spring 2018"be brave and take risks"...Summer 2018(1st ever to spend 0)...Fall 18"feeling is the worst"... 2019-2023...

Arry “I really felt we could challenge for the title, we were that close that year... They wouldn’t push the boat out, I ended up bringing in Louis Saha... Ryan Nelson... a free transfer... It was time to have a go and push the boat out but it didn’t happen."

Hoddle "I kept running into dead ends when it came to signings... never had a single conversation with Joe Lewis... lack of funds forced me into compromises... It wasn't the behaviour of a club looking to challenge the elite"

Yes I saw this - it tells you everything you need to know about our Chairman.

 

[jd2023]

I think our ownerships motives are clearly laid out in the Swiss ramble piece that came out this week. They are A-grade business people who don't give a shit about the football team and its fans, only the football business which is their investment.

1. They revenue made off the everyday fan - top of the league

2. Percentage of revenue paid on playing wages - bottom of the league

3. EBITDA, profits before tax, interest and depreciation - 2nd top of the league

4. Chairmen wage last 10 years - top of rhe league

5. Capital investment last 10 years - zilch, bottom 4 in the league

 

[Style And Glory]

I think our ownerships motives are clearly laid out in the Swiss ramble piece that came out this week. They are A-grade business people who don't give a shit about the football team and its fans, only the football business which is their investment.

1. They revenue made off the everyday fan - top of the league

2. Percentage of revenue paid on playing wages - bottom of the league

3. EBITDA, profits before tax, interest and depreciation - 2nd top of the league

4. Chairmen wage last 10 years - top of rhe league

5. Capital investment last 10 years - zilch, bottom 4 in the league

That says plenty

 

[jd2023]

That says plenty

In terms of pure business. Enic are the equivalent of the Fergie Utd or Ajax total football for their dominance and brilliance

 

[jd2023]

Daniel Levy, May 2017: “I remember coming here with my uncle more than 50 years ago to watch my first game against QPR.”

Daniel Levy, Feb 2023: “My first game was against Villa. My great uncle brought me. Ever since then I have been a Spurs fan.”

 

[J.spurs]

Daniel Levy, May 2017: “I remember coming here with my uncle more than 50 years ago to watch my first game against QPR.”

Daniel Levy, Feb 2023: “My first game was against Villa. My great uncle brought me. Ever since then I have been a Spurs fan.”

Haha, To be fair I’ve lost my car keys twice this week, and Levy’s older than me.

 

[jd2023]

Haha, To be fair I’ve lost my car keys twice this week, and Levy’s older than me.

That might be like confusing villa with a Burnley or qpr with reading. But to qpr and villa mixed up

 

[ClemFandango]

The second reply kind of nails it

 

[Havocc]

Stick him in fucking catering

 

[Yid]

Carpark...

 

[Sneeky]

Assistant South Stand grow light checker

 

[jd2023]

The second reply kind of nails it

Could he be the answer at LCB?

 

[Dave]

Joe Lewis and Daniel Levy have insisted they are really enjoying rehersals for their proposed new roles at the club.

 

[Yid]

This Levy staying bullshit...

Just shows they're not fucking serious and this cash cow has plenty of meat left on it for them to pick away at...

Vulturous pair of cunts...

 

[jd2023]

This Levy staying bullshit...

Just shows they're not fucking serious and this cash cow has plenty of meat left on it for them to pick away at...

Vulturous pair of cunts...

The old it's not timing the market, it's time in the market, is strong with these two.

Isn't 21 years long enough!

 

[Yid]

The old it's not timing the market, it's time in the market, is strong with these two.

Isn't 21 years long enough!

Not when you need another fucking super yacht...

Proper CC's, the pair of them...!!!

 

[ClemFandango]

Awards himself a £500k pay rise

 

[Yid]

Awards himself a £500k pay rise

You're all being milked...!!!

Fuck this cunt. Fuck this club.

 

[jd2023]

The I in ENIC should give it away

 

[The Cryptkeeper]

Fucking leech.

 

[ClemFandango]

Tottenham to build karting track under stadium

Tottenham Hotspur announce a partnership with Formula 1 which will see a karting track built under the Premier League club's stadium.

www.bbc.co.uk

I'm looking forward to all of those world class players we can sign with this additional revenue.

Oh .. wait ..

 

[jd2023]

Tottenham to build karting track under stadium

Tottenham Hotspur announce a partnership with Formula 1 which will see a karting track built under the Premier League club's stadium.

www.bbc.co.uk

I'm looking forward to all of those world class players we can sign with this additional revenue.

Oh .. wait ..

Yet still no naming rights sponsor

 

[Yid]

These are our record signings, so dont even cover the lesser money we have seemingly wasted on players out on loan...

I think this list, especially the top 5 or 10 explain exactly why the football is the way it is right now...

Richie, is yet to be given a chance to prove his value...

Romero, is on his way to proving to be a good buy...

You have to get to number 11 before you get to a very good signing.

I'd then argue Moura and Modric are the others on that list that merit acknowledgement...

And in-between are some absolute stinkers.