Tottenham Hotspur head coach Thomas Frank has admitted that even he was taken aback by the sudden departure of Daniel Levy as Spurs chairman. Levy, who had been in the role for nearly a quarter of a century, was asked to step down last week by ENIC, the Lewis family-owned group that controls the club.
Levy’s 24-year reign leaves deep foundations
Levy’s exit closed a remarkable 24-year chapter at Tottenham, making him one of the longest-serving top-flight chairmen in English football. During his time, he was instrumental in two transformative projects: the construction of Hotspur Way, Spurs’ state-of-the-art training centre, and the £1 billion Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, widely regarded as one of the best arenas in world football. Frank insisted those developments give Spurs the platform to stand toe-to-toe with Europe’s elite in the years to come.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportFrank heaps praise on Levy’s legacy
Frank was quick to highlight Levy’s role in modernising the club, and said: "I would say I don't think anyone expected it, but a decision has been made and we move forward. Daniel deserves massive praise. He has been here 24 years, which must be one of the longest chairman in the Premier League ever.
"The things he's built, the success he's been a massive part of, you can't praise enough, and two big things are that he has laid foundations for the future in terms of this fantastic training centre and the stadium. Both of them are at a level where we can compete with big clubs for the future."
Despite only working under Levy for three months, Frank revealed he made time to personally thank the outgoing chairman for appointing him as head coach. “Yes, I've spoken to him and of course known Daniel, but only known him the last three months,” Frank said. “Of course, I spent more time with him, but it's been brief. I said thank you because it was not only him appointing me, but he had the decisive words, and I will always be appreciative of that."
New leadership team set to guide Spurs
With Levy gone, the responsibility now falls on chief executive Vinai Venkatesham and new non-executive chairman Peter Charrington, who, alongside Frank, will be tasked with shaping the next phase of Tottenham’s story. The Lewis family, through ENIC, remain in full control and is said to be determined to translate Levy’s off-field successes into silverware on the pitch.
ENIC underline commitment to Tottenham project
Frank was also keen to dismiss any suggestion of instability following Levy’s exit. He emphasised that this is not a change of ownership but rather a restructuring that gives ENIC greater influence.
"It is not a new ownership, it is the same ownership but it's just the majority shareholders have more influence," he clarified. "They are very committed to the club and want to build something for the future. The main thing I can do is focus on my job now and that is West Ham tomorrow."
