Tottenham dismiss fan fear over lack of ambition and spending
Tottenham's board gave a defiant response in defence of their transfer spending in recent years to a series of questions put forward by The Tottenham Hotspur Supporters' Trust.
THST wrote to the club at the beginning of January citing four key questions on club strategy and finances, with one major point being Antonio Conte's comments on recruitment and on-field performances.
The Italian is also yet to sign a new contract with Spurs, causing more consternation in the club's fanbase, but the board hit back at accusations of limited spending in recent years.
THST: The manager employed by the club has not signed a new contract and tells us that we should lower our expectations about on-field outcomes. He has said publicly that the club needs to spend big money every window just to compete. How does this align with the Board’s philosophy for achieving success?
"Like everyone at the club, our Head Coach wants the team to compete for top honours. The club has invested heavily in the squad. This is a continual process with the aim of standing the club in good stead on the pitch for years to come. Since opening the stadium in April 2019 we have spent more than £500m putting us in the top quartile of spending in the Premier League - and we have made significant investments in the Women’s team too. In addition to the summer investment of over £200m we have committed to a further £47m spend this January.
"Despite this we consistently see references to our perceived lack of backing for head coaches and lack of spending.
"It’s important that we deal with facts - our spend levels quite clearly show that we have backed our football side. There is always a fine line between long-term investment and short-termism – which is why our recruitment has to be first class. Mistakes at this level leave a financial and sporting impact for future seasons. We have felt the financial impact of supporting player purchases which have not worked out as hoped. We have taken steps to improve this area of operations and the recent windows reflect this."
The trust cited the need for a "greater acknowledgement" from the club regarding fan concerns over planning for long-term success in their response.
They added: "The THST Board feel strongly that the establishment of a formal mechanism for fan engagement at Spurs remains a top priority and we are focused on working with Spurs fans and other Spurs supporter groups to hold the Club to account and to encourage open communication with its fans, who remain the life-blood of the Club."
Spurs eventually signed Pedro Porro on the final day of the January transfer window, while the contract of wing-back Matt Doherty was terminated to facilitate a move to Atletico Madrid. Arnaut Danjuma was also brought in on loan from Villarreal.
Tottenham remain in contention in the Champions League and FA Cup but face a tall order to finish in the Premier League's top four, sitting three points behind Manchester United having played a game more ahead of Sunday's meeting with Manchester City.