Tottenham Hotspur chief executive Vinai Venkatesham has sought to calm rising frustration among supporters by releasing a lengthy open letter in the club’s matchday programme ahead of the Premier League London derby against West Ham United.
Spurs go into the fixture sitting 14th in the table, with another campaign drifting well below expectations. Under head coach Thomas Frank, Tottenham have already exited both domestic cup competitions, while a series of long-term injuries to key players has disrupted any attempt to build consistency. Form has been a major concern, with just two wins from the club’s last 13 matches, further fuelling supporter anger.
That frustration has been clearly evident inside the stadium. Frank and his squad have been booed on multiple occasions at full-time, while chants such as “Boring, boring Tottenham Hotspur” and “Sideways and backwards, everywhere we go” have rung out, underlining dissatisfaction with both results and playing style.
While the £34.7 million arrival of Conor Gallagher from Atletico Madrid earlier this week offered a brief lift, tensions remain high. Supporter group Change for Tottenham is still planning a protest ahead of Saturday’s match, aimed at voicing discontent over yet another disappointing season despite ongoing changes behind the scenes.
Against this backdrop, images of Venkatesham’s letter have circulated widely online via supporter groups. The message follows recent discussions between club officials and the Tottenham Hotspur Supporters’ Trust, where fans called for greater openness and clearer communication.
The CEO’s statement appears to directly address those concerns, laying out explanations, commitments and a vision for the club’s future.
In the letter, Venkatesham admitted the team’s struggles and attempted to reassure fans that meaningful action is underway. He reiterated that the shared goal of the board, executive team and Lewis Family ownership is to see Spurs consistently competing in the Champions League, challenging for major honours, and significantly raising the standard of the women’s side.
He acknowledged that supporters have heard promises before and stressed that words alone will no longer suffice. Venkatesham revealed that the club has been conducting an in-depth internal review, describing the current period as a rare opportunity for a “true reset” for an organisation of Tottenham’s scale. He insisted the club is determined to modernise its operations and close the gap to Europe’s top teams.
The CEO conceded that while football has moved forward rapidly, Tottenham have not always evolved at the same pace in critical areas. He recognised the growing impatience among fans and accepted that performances and results from the men’s first team this season have fallen short of expectations.
Recruitment and squad management featured heavily in the letter. Venkatesham said the club has faith in the current group of players but accepts that greater quality, experience and leadership are needed to compete consistently at the highest level. He outlined plans for a more proactive transfer strategy, supported by a wage structure that balances ambition with financial responsibility.
Tottenham, he said, will look to strengthen during the January window if the right opportunities arise, while acknowledging that most transfer activity typically happens in the summer. Any new arrivals must clearly improve the squad, with the club determined to avoid short-term fixes and remain disciplined in the market.
He also stressed the importance of knowing when to sell players, being decisive about moving on those who no longer align with long-term plans. Maximising player value and operating within Financial Fair Play rules were highlighted, pushing back against the idea that Spurs are immune to such constraints.
This renewed approach is reflected in the appointment of Rafi Moersen from City Football Group as Director of Football Operations. Reporting to Sporting Director Johan Lange, Moersen will help shape recruitment strategy and oversee player trading when he joins later this year.
Venkatesham placed significant emphasis on the academy, describing it as vital to Tottenham’s future. A strong youth system not only produces first-team players without transfer fees but also allows greater investment elsewhere while developing footballers who understand the club’s identity. While progress has been made, he admitted Spurs must deliver more first-team minutes and stronger transfer returns from academy graduates, prompting further investment in the development pathway.
On performance and player support, the CEO explained that success depends on more than coaching alone. While Thomas Frank’s staff has been strengthened with the addition of John Heitinga, Venkatesham highlighted the importance of elite performance services such as medical care, sports science, nutrition and psychology. Several changes are already underway, including the appointment of Dan Lewindon as Performance Director, who arrives next month from City Football Group.
One of the most sensitive topics addressed was the strained relationship between the club and its supporters. Venkatesham openly accepted that a disconnect has grown and pledged to rebuild trust and unity. He pointed to initiatives like the new Son Heung-min mural, ticketing adjustments and a trial singing section as early steps, while promising ongoing collaboration with the Fan Advisory Board.
Improving matchday access for younger fans was identified as a key priority, with a review of concession policies for juniors and young adults planned ahead of next season. Venkatesham said the club wants Tottenham to feel inclusive, welcoming and closely tied to its communities.
To strengthen communication and engagement, he confirmed the appointments of Kate Miller as Chief Communications Officer and Adam Gardiner as Chief Marketing Officer. Alongside Moersen, they form part of a revamped executive team aimed at creating a more modern, collaborative leadership structure.
Venkatesham also reaffirmed that the club’s ambitions extend beyond the men’s team. He restated Tottenham’s commitment to Spurs Women, highlighting January investment and early signs of progress this season, while stressing the importance of growing the team’s profile and support.
In closing, the CEO thanked supporters for their loyalty and passion, recognising how deeply Tottenham means to them. He insisted the club cannot exist without its fans and promised that everyone at Spurs is fully committed to delivering a future worthy of their dedication.
