This is an article sent to me by Peter J Arnold. These are not necessary my views, however, a different perspective never hurt anybody. Some will agree, others will probably say he is blinded by Levy’s witchery. Do you think Levy is a Saint or Sinner? Whatever, I would be interested in your views on this article? All the best, Glenn
Levy in: It is all about the money
By Peter J Arnold
Ever since the bulldozers started tearing down the Shelf at White Hart Lane in the 80s, the anti-capitalists (the purists) have been out in full force. “No,” to the Shelf, they cried, which prompted thousands of column inches dedicated to the capitalist/ Chairman’s greed in football. But, alas, it was still built, and the rich owners (who participated in wealth for their clubs) have never looked back.
A few mishaps along the way saw us nearly go into bankruptcy, but then along came the millionaire Alan Sugar, along with his Geezer puppet (who was quickly dispensed with), and a new dawn started.
The Beginning; 1882
A group of cricket-loving boys decided one summers day to form a football club to occupy their time in their cricket-winter- break. Eventually, as the club grew, it was decided to turn the Hotspur football club into a Limited company, and the very long and winding road to capitalism began.
Bobby Buckle, one of the founding fathers, left the club he created because he did not like the direction the club was going in. But the truth of the matter was, the club had outgrown him.
Years came, years went by, and Spurs went rolling along.
In the first 69 years of its existence, the club only won two significant trophies (the FA Cup in 1901 & 1921) before they hit the entrance – just after the war – to the up and coming golden age. The 50s started with the club capturing the League’s First Division title with Arthur Rowe’s Push & Run team, then a lull before the storm. Just before the swinging sixties were about to hit us, Spurs, under the stewardship of Bill Nicholson, started to build. Enter the gold era of sixties music, the golden age of TV, men on the moon, and so much more. Part of that golden era was Spurs winning the double (the first club to do so in the 20th century). The following year the FA Cup followed; the year after that (1963), we became the first British team to win a European trophy (The Cup Winners’ Cup). One more award was to come our way before that decade finished, along with the beginnings of a fracture to the world’s most famous pop group, the Beatles, and that was the FA Cup in 1967 (the year, also, that the Beatles manager died, Brian Epstein).
The 60s turned into the 70s, and three more trophies were captured (2 League Cups & one UEFA Cup), followed by relegation. But only one season in Division Two before our then-new manager – Keith Burkinshaw – bounced us back into Division One. Burkinshaw then brought us into the 80s with two famous Argentinians (Ardiles & Villa), which helped capture three more trophies (2 FA Cups & 1 UEFA Cup) before leaving the club disenchanted.
A new era
The 80s turned into the 90s and the escape from extinction and two trophies (FA Cup & League Cup). Alan Sugar travelled from the 90s to the new century and then made way for the ENIC group (Levy & Lewis)to take charge.
A Long and winding road to light at the end of the tunnel
Unknown to us then, Levy (the brains behind the Lewis & Levy partnership) had a vision of restoring and building on our historic legacy. God was going to shine his light on our Jewish (adopted) sacred ground, and a phoenix would rise out of the ashes.
Under Levy’s reign, we only won one trophy – which is often highlighted (& criticised) – ignoring Levy’s real legacy, building a gigantic amphitheatre that took the world by storm. A money-machine-instrument that will bring the club billions, without even mentioning all the purchased land around the stadium for gentrification. In other words, the eventual building of a wealthy-paradise-London (N17)-borough. But we are getting ahead of ourselves.
Money and football have always gone hand in hand. In the 60s, we were known as the bank of England. Eventually, the Wale’s, Richardson’s and Bearman families were ousted in favour of an intelligent businessman under the name of Irving Scholar, who meant well but took us to the brink of bankruptcy. Still, his thinking was in the right place. Sugar replaced him, who was then replaced by Billionaire owner (Joe Lewis) and his ambitious Tottenham Hotspur loving sidekick Daniel Levy (a man who stood on the terraces as a kid).
Anybody who knows anything about business knows you have to build from the ground up to create that kingdom, which is precisely what Levy is doing. Once the money comes rolling in and debts paid, then and only then can the Spurs board start to put real money into building a team to challenge the football elites. And we will.
No offence to previous writers on this blog, but it is often mentioned that the other 5 elite English and their European rich-exclusive clubs have won countless trophies. In contrast, the Tottenham team have won nothing, but we must look at the bigger picture.
Daniel Levy has often said that the amount of money thrown at the other clubs’ managers “is not sustainable” unless the money is there (out of profits). Clubs like Real Madrid, Barcelona and Manchester United are living in debt and borrowed time. It is a devils-hole we must not fall into. From that perspective, you can see the wisdom of Daniel Levy and what he has in store for us. Then we can rise and rise again until we become an Iron fisted-Cockerel that floats on the Glory of the past, present and future.
Levy and co may be mocked now, but there will be a time when Levy, the stadium and the team will be revered. Come back in another 50 years, where they will be Gods of football, and a statue will be erected in honour of those that will bring us all that Glory.
You do not have to take my word for it, just look at what has arisen out of the old White Hart Lane stadium’s ashes. We are only at the beginning of that journey. Patience!
By Peter J Arnold
It is finally here, a new super book about the greats, Glories and all you want to know about the Tottenham great players (we are not worthy!) who have graced White Hart Lane and beyond. Sixty years ago this month, the Greatest Football club in the world won the double with probably the most outstanding team on this planet.
Has your eye’s seen the Glory? If yes (or even no) click HERE and follow the link, then they/ you will, and for those that are longer in the tooth (in other words, old like me)…. be prepared to be dazzled all over again!
COYS!
My name is Glenn Renshaw.
I am currently a Premium Season Ticket holder (West Stand) in the new stadium. Before that – at White Hart Lane – a season ticket holder in various parts of the ground (mainly in the North stand).
Before becoming a season ticket holder, I stood on the shelf and various other parts of the ground since the 1950s. In 1987 I became one of the first to hold a Spurs Membership card. I was also a life long member of the Spurs supporters club (now defunct).
I go to all home, away and abroad matches.
I was born in 1955, Edgware, London (it was in the late 50s – as a baby – that my dad took me to Spurs to initiate me). I currently live in Berkshire.
I also collect all Spurs books (and have everyone printed), Spurs handbooks (from 1920s onwards, Spurs programmes (since the 40s).
Previously, I wrote for Spurs Fanzines: The Spur, Spur of the Moment, My Eyes have seen the Glory and various other Spurs fanzines’. I also wrote for the SpursWeb app & its website.
I currently write and work for spursnetwork.com and its website. I write its Reviews & Match reports and a lot more.
My other interests are; reading, history, social history, Politics, going to the gym, wine, going out for a meal, music (all sorts), writing, theatre, concerts, going on holidays, socialising etc.
I have been writing blogs/ articles since 1989
If you wish to read more of my blog, please click “here”
Once again Glen , you are the provider of and presenter of wonderful insights into Spurs historical and present status.
I have Been a Spurs fan (follower at a distance) ever since 1959
It was on a school trip organised by our Sports Master, who’s mantra was , “To be the best! You have to watch The Best”
Needless to say I was hooked by a convincing 5-1 win.
My thanks go to you Glen, for people like Peter for your articles.
Hi Tony, and thanks. This is a good website with different writers. We hope to give many sides of Tottenham (the good, gad and ugly). All the best, Glenn
What a well written and truthful arcticle. Some supporters only see results on the pitch and ,are either too young, or forgetful of the dark days not that long ago. Lewis and Levy were a godsend.
Tottenham Hotspur had to be rebuilt from the bottom up. Now we have a training complex and a stadium 2nd to none. The past year of restrictions has set their plans back somewhat, but soon they can start the personnel improvement stage. So be proud of what we have and of what we will have.
COYS
Yes, this website wants to give all sides of the argument so hopefully people will have a better picture. Even though there is different views, we all should be all on the side side (the side of Spurs).