Credit: Imago

Ian Darke

Tue 29 April 2025 21:50, UK

Tottenham Hotspur know plenty of measures must be taken to have any chance of turning around this season’s wretched record.

Despite that, there remains a glimmer of hope both on and off the pitch, as Ange Postecoglou looks to defy the story of 2024-25 among the doom and gloom in N17.

The Europa League is still very much up for grabs, with Spurs still fancied to reach a major final as they take on Bodo/Glimt of Norway in the semi-finals starting this week.

Tottenham arrival Vinai Venkatesham under pressure through Arsenal history

Off the field, Tottenham are beginning to make changes, with Vinai Venkatesham about to formally begin his new role as chief executive officer on Daniel Levy’s board.

Venkatesham spent 14 years in a variety of roles with bitter rivals Arsenal, from whom he departed last year.

TV commentator and football analysis expert Ian Darke, speaking exclusively to Tottenham News, is convinced that while the summer newbie will be under pressure and “phone-in”-level scepticism through his long-term Gunners roots, he will fare fine at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Darke made a reference to Sol Campbell – whose history between the North London divide needs no recap – in his comparing explanation.

“Venkatesham is under pressure to perform quickly in his role,” he said.

“However, I don’t think this is like Sol Campbell in reverse. Guys who operate behind the scenes are not quite as high-profile, luckily for him. He won’t be making all the huge decisions about players and signings, which could spare him a lot of easy stick from the Tottenham fans.

“It’s one of those things which will get raised in phone-ins here and there if matters aren’t going well at the club further down the line. But I think he’ll be alright.”

Spurs have short-term journey to consider before pivotal summer

Levy and the Tottenham board are of course already setting wheels in motion ahead of next season, despite the protests calling for the chairman’s exit.

Venkatesham will not be the last major appointment behind the scenes at Spurs, with pressure building to begin from a blank canvas following such a horrendous domestic season.

Tottenham however maintain their glaring short-term goal of a potentially ironic trophy come the end of the season, with a hugely feasible task ahead to lift the Europa League.

Afterwards will come a key summer for the future of the football club entirely, with everyone for the next three weeks at least in the dark over whether they will be dining at the Champions League table again next season, or nowhere near Europe at all.