Actions Speak Louder Than Words

Easier said than done of course when most of Tottenham’s rivals are paying fatter wages and enjoying greater revenues. Which is exactly what makes Levy’s sharp business acumen all the more pivotal to the club’s ambitions. His reputation as a hard-nosed businessman when it comes to pulling off last-minute deals is legendary but it belies an uncanny ability to strike that all-important delicate balance between keeping the club on a firm profitable financial footing whilst at the same time maintaining competitiveness on the pitch.

It is a challenge that will become all the more acute when Tottenham move into their swanky new stadium due to open at the start of next season barring any unforeseen circumstances. Knowing Levy, he will put together the best possible plan that accommodates bank financing. And with match day revenues certain to rise considerably, there is only one direction of travel and that is up – not only in terms of being able to hang on to the club’s marquee talent, and add to it, but also with regard to the entire fan experience and the Tottenham community as a whole.

Indeed, no stone is being left unturned to use the stadium project to improve the environment and enhance the local economy. Hundreds of job opportunities are being created and it’s easy to understand why so much emphasis is being placed on changing the landscape off as well as on the pitch. While White Hart Lane has long been one of the UK’s most iconic grounds, evoking tear-jerking memories of some of the greatest players and historic matches the English game has seen, the area is among the most deprived anywhere in London, hardly a place families would choose to visit.

That is all about to change, regeneration being the byword for everything the club is trying to achieve.

“People associate Tottenham the area with Tottenham Hotspur, but I think as part of the regeneration plans here you will see major changes in this area and a lot of tourism,” Levy has been quoted as saying.

“The stadium sits at the heart of a major project which is going to involve significantly increased housing and increased jobs that will really change Tottenham over the next 20 years. This is not just significant for the club but the local area; it will create a focal point and we want to become a real leisure destination for London. This is an area that needs regeneration and to have that you need activity so the more events we can have at our stadium, the more people that come to the area, the more jobs we can create.”