Tottenham Hotspur chairman Daniel Levy has addressed supporters in an open letter in the official matchday programme ahead of this afternoon’s match against Leicester City.
Levy spoke of a ‘difficult and uncertain’ which has seen the club sack Mauricio Pochettino in November after five-and-a-half years in charge just months after guiding the North Londoners to the Champions League final.
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has also caused a significant impact to the finances of clubs with supporters unable to attend matches.
Spurs go into today’s match against the Foxes with the aim of keeping alive their hopes of Europa League football, while Brendan Rodgers side are still in the mix for Champions League qualification, a campaign which the lilywhites will not be participating in for the first time in five years.
Levy revealed that he will be working with Jose Mourinho and club staff to try and improve the squad ahead of next season, where he hopes that fans will be able to step foot inside the new stadium once more.
He said: “I’m not sure any of us could have foreseen just how difficult and uncertain this season would end up being both on and off the pitch. We were one of the highest Premier League net spenders, investing in excess of £130m bringing in new players and we welcomed José and his management team in November, 2019. Before we had time to settle and see what our new signings and the team could deliver, injuries to several principal players beset us, followed quickly by the outbreak of the pandemic.
“Football took a back seat as we supported those most in need. It has been testament to human nature and spirit that everyone has adapted and persevered and the importance of community, always in our Club’s DNA, came to the fore.
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“It was simply heartbreaking to make a return to football in June and to see our screens filled with the faces of loved ones who lost their lives to this cruel virus.
“We have had bumps in the road this season on the pitch – as have many other top clubs at different times – it was our turn this season. Being competitive at the top of the game raises the challenge of delivering further improvements year on year and meeting the high expectations we all now have. We have certainly not seen the performances and results we all wanted at times and I know José and his coaches will be working with us in the coming months to ensure we hit the ground running for the start of next season.
“One thing you can be assured of is the continuing ambition of everyone at this Club for success on the pitch. Right now, we shall be playing until the last minute of this season to achieve the best possible finish and hopefully a European spot.
“Today sees our last home game of a season for the first time ever without any supporters in the stadium and it has been so evident how much the team has missed the “12th player”. I have been part of the Premier League Club Advisory Group working with the Department of Culture, Media and Sport to ensure our game comes back stronger than ever with fans in attendance.
“Our players will give you their thanks for your support on N17 Live rather than the traditional walk around – please watch as they do. Your support through these extraordinary times has been amazing and we want to pay tribute to that.
“During the summer we shall be re-opening Stadium Tours and launching the brand new ‘Dare Skywalk’ attraction. It will be good to see fans and visitors back once again and activity returning to the stadium and leisure sector.
“I wish you and your families well over the summer break – a shorter break than usual as, all being well, we look forward to welcoming you back in September.
“Thank you. We go again. Stay safe.
“Daniel.”
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