Spurs chairman slams 'unacceptable' season

Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy has branded the club’s season as “unacceptable” and described the team’s current form as “appalling” ahead of today’s final home game of the campaign.

Spurs go into this afternoon’s clash with Blackburn on a run of just one win in 11 matches. They have narrowly avoided relegation but will finish the season as London’s bottom club in the Barclaycard Premiership and may yet end up fourth from bottom.

The club have been without a permanent manager since sacking Glenn Hoddle in September and placing director of football David Pleat in temporary charge, and Levy said the appointment of a new coach was his priority.

“We had all hoped for a season of improvement, we had all hoped for a place in Europe,” Levy told fans in a programme message.

“Instead I am conscious that we have had yet another season with a poor start, a lift in the middle, episodes of high drama and, finally an appalling finish to the season that saw us unforgivably close to relegation.

“Given the investment in players and resources over the past three years, this poor level of performance is not acceptable to me and I know it is not acceptable to you.

“A lot of things need to be put right. A permanent manager tops the list. As loyal fans you have stood by the club through thick and thin – my driving ambition is to reward that loyalty. I shall be appointing your new manager during the summer. We shall also look to welcome new players.”

Levy hinted that there would be a change in personnel at White Hart Lane during the summer and said was ready to make some “tough” decisions.

He added: “I have set high standards for this club. I now need to deal with the areas that aren’t meeting those standards. This will mean some tough decisions throughout several areas of the club, but I refuse to compromise.

“It hasn’t been an easy year for anyone at the club and what has been important has been the resilience shown by everyone.”