Why Daniel Levy has left Tottenham after 25 years as chairman

"Yet Thursday's dramatic and sudden confirmation he was stepping down quickly shattered that illusion. Levy, 63, was appointed to the post in March 2001, going on to establish himself as one of the most respected administrators in football. Today, Spurs boast one of the finest stadiums in the world and a state-of-the-art training ground so luxurious former head coach Jose Mourinho once waxed lyrical about the "huge pillows" in the on-site bedrooms, comparable in his mind to a 6-star hotel."

"That is Levy. His attention to detail was unrivalled, reflected in the stunning Tottenham Hotspur Stadium with its retractable pitch and in-house microbrewery. He is a man of little sleep and unrelenting standards. Spurs elevated themselves to join what has become known in the Premier League as the traditional "Big Six," forging a reputation for financial sustainability in an era of increasingly irresponsible and irrational spending."

Daniel Levy unexpectedly stepped down as Tottenham chairman after 25 years in the post. He drove the club's transformation, delivering a world-class stadium, a lavish training ground and meticulous operational detail. Levy maintained tight financial control and guided recruitment and managerial decisions despite other recruitment executives. ENIC owner Joe Lewis frequently took a back seat while Levy exercised day-to-day authority. Tottenham rose into the Premier League's traditional "Big Six" and cultivated a reputation for financial sustainability. Growing supporter frustration over the lack of on-field success increasingly focused on Levy's centralized control prior to his sudden departure.

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