No matter the circumstances, every club has a fall guy, and few are as prominent as Daniel Levy. The Tottenham chairman, who departed the role on Thursday after 24 years, was a polarizing figure. Many fans criticized Levy’s tenure, citing the lack of significant silverware—just one EFL Cup, a UEFA Europa League title, and a single trip to the UEFA Champions League final in two decades. However, as Levy leaves Spurs, he does so with a legacy that is more complex; there were several positives during his time at the club.

Length of Tenure: Considered the longest-serving chairman in the Premier League, Levy’s departure shocked many, underscoring his longevity in a volatile role.

Initial Challenges: When Levy took charge in February 2001, Spurs faced challenges on and off the field, struggling to achieve any notable success despite being one of the original ‘big five’ clubs.

Despite a shaky start, significant progress became evident within a few years. Spurs secured a fifth-place finish in the 2005-06 season thanks to a stellar performance from Robbie Keane, and a few years later, they started consistently participating in European competitions under Levy’s leadership.

Player Development: Levy focused on cultivating talent, bringing in players like Dimitar Berbatov, Gareth Bale, Luka Modric, Harry Kane, and recently Xavi Simons, all of whom left substantial impacts while at the club.

Levy’s most significant achievement might well be the construction of the state-of-the-art Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, symbolizing the club’s rise to prominence without any major external financial backing.

As he exits, many discussions surround whether Spurs can maintain pace with elite clubs like Liverpool and Manchester City, who have established robust recruitment strategies, echoing a pressing need for modernization. Levy’s tenure demonstrated both the challenges and advantages of managing a major sports franchise without colossal financial support, marking a pivotal chapter in the club’s history.