Re: the letter to Tottenham Hotspur fans from non-executive chairman Peter Charrington. Positives? Contrition: important the club showed some humility and apologised to fans, who’ve been brilliant in their support through grim times when players, coaches (pre-Roberto De Zerbi) and board have repeatedly let them down.
Transparency: fans were able to reply to the statement on the club website, and some strong opinions were inevitably expressed, especially about Vinai Venkatesham and Johan Lange. Fair play to the club for allowing that, knowing there would be criticism.
Hope: some sensible promises/plans for the future; acknowledgement that leadership structure needs strengthening; that squad needs strengthening - and with experience - and that costs substantial sums, more than committed in the past. One charismatic leader, De Zerbi, has rescued the team and the board. More elite-level operators required through club, on and off the pitch.
Negatives? Proof required: actions speak louder than well-crafted words. Dumping blame on previous regimes is a bit cheap and dodging their own responsibility (Tudor etc). Time, and real investment in transfer fees and wages, will tell.
Ownership: why does this letter come from Charrington and not a member of the Lewis family, the club owners, the ones who should be fronting up and taking responsibility for a wretched season and some poor appointments? It’s their club, their mess, their responsibility to engage with fans.
No offence to Charrington, he’s been very successful in other areas, banking etc, but he’s not from a football background, he’s non-exec anyway. Fans don't know him. Spurs fans deserved the letter from the Lewis family.
But relief reigns, Spurs survived, and, as RDZ says, must never allow this famous, well-supported club to sink into this perilous position again. Enic and the board have to rebuild knowing how close they were to meltdown. Back De Zerbi, recruit elite and engage with fans. #THFC
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