The right approach vs The reckless approach

Having looked at Ange Postecoglou vs the fans, we had better look at Daniel Levy vs the fans.

Here are some key elements to consider when comparing the thinking of a football club CEO like Daniel Levy at Tottenham Hotspur versus the fans:

• Business perspective vs emotional perspective - Levy makes decisions from a business point of view, while fans view the club emotionally.
  
  Business pays for the football, so ultimately taking this approach is in the best long-term interests of the football club.
  
  
• Financial prudence vs ambition - Levy aims for self-sustaining finances, while fans want big money signings and winning at all costs.
  
  The troubles of Everton are the result of behaving like fans, not owners and all clubs who have won with less money than Spurs have been relegated, proving that doesn't sustain success, only the money the business brings in does.
  
  
• Squad development vs star power - Levy focuses on developing and maximizing assets, fans want star name signings.
  
  Again this is the fantasy world of fans where money grows on trees, ignoring Financial Fair Play or profitability and sustainability rules.
  
  
• Infrastructure/stadium growth vs on-field success - Levy invests in infrastructure, fans want trophies and league position.
  
  The problem with the fans approach is that Tottenham then gets left financially behind and is unable to compete.
  
  A longer-term vision had to be taken to alleviate that financial problem in the long-term, even if it meant short-term pain.
  
  
• Long-term planning vs immediate results - Levy takes a long-term approach while fans react to recent results.
  
  The only way to sustain and grow a football club is with a long-term vision, throwing money like Everton did and QPR did years before them has been continually proven to be unsustainable and as those two sets of fans have found, doesn't guarantee success, but a decade or more of financial toil.
  
  
• Incremental growth vs championships - Levy aims for incremental club growth, fans expect titles and trophies now.
  
  As we have established the fans' approach isn't in the best long-term interests of the club and could cripple it for a decade or more.
  
  I have continually maintained not all managers are equal and one that can build a team and improve players is a better bet than one that has to have a team bought for him.
  
  Sustainability is essential to remain an elite club, which is what Daniel Levy has built us to be.
  
  
• Valuation vs history and honors - Levy wants to increase club value, fans care about history, honors, and accolades.
  
  Both want success on the field, one understands there are constraints within that must be achieved while fans don't see constraints, only a reckless approach endangering the club in the long-term..

The key is recognizing Levy has different priorities and must balance multiple business objectives, while fans are focused on the emotional experience and on-field performance.

Fans must find a marriage between the two, desiring results, but understanding contraints.

Next Article: What fans can learn about success from Daniel Levy and Ange Postecoglou.

The previous post in this 3-post series: Postecoglou thinking vs Fans thinking

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