Chairman Peter Charrington has admitted Tottenham came with in a whisker of relegation in what amounts to the club's closest brush with the second tier in nearly five decades.
In a letter to fans published Monday, Charrington stopped short of dressing up the season as anything other than a failure to meet basic expectations at a club that boasts one of Europe's most impressive stadiums and competes among England's so-called "Big Six."
Spurs headed into the final round of the season two points outside the relegation zone — a position that would have marked the ir first drop to the second division since 1977. That outcome seemed unthinkable for a club that helped or chestrate the ill-fated Super League proposal just five years ago.
Late surge avoids disaster
A 1-0 victory over Everton on the final day proved decisive. Tottenham's win rendered West Ham's simultaneous victory over Leeds meaningless, completing a late-season rally of three wins in five matches under Roberto De Zerbi.
The Italian was hired in late March specifically to steer the club away from relegation. Midfielder James Maddison acknowledged the narrow escape publicly.
Leadership shake-up acknowledged
"We discovered some uncomfortable truths," Charrington wrote, pointing to a period of boardroom transition that included Daniel Levy's departure in September and the arrival of Vinai Venkatesham as chief executive five months earlier — a role he previously held at rival Arsenal.
"Football success had not been driving our decisions," Charrington admitted. He set out a five-point plan centered on investment across multiple transfer windows to reshape the squad for De Zerbi, who was signed on a five-year contract.
Ownership commits to rebuild
Addressing speculation about the club's future, Charrington was direct: "Tottenham Hotspur is not for sale." He confirmed the Lewis family remain wholly committed and view the rebuild as a long-term responsibility rather than a quick fix.
Maddison expressed relief at De Zerbi's impact, noting the former Brighton and Marseille coach prevented what could have been a far darker scenario.
Steve Douglas, The Associated Press