TOTTENHAM have hired former Arsenal bigwig Vinai Venkatesham as their new chief executive.
The British-Indian supremo, 44, will take over in the summer and be responsible for all operations on and off the pitch in his new role after crossing the North London divide.
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Venkatesham, who is currently a non-executive director of the British Olympic Association, stepped down as CEO of the Gunners last summer and has rejected other jobs in the meantime.
He said: “I’m excited to be joining Tottenham Hotspur this summer.
“After taking some time to recharge and evaluate my options, I believe this is an exceptional opportunity to work with Daniel, the Board and all of the staff, to take the club forward.”
It remains to be seen if this will impact the role of chief football officer Scott Munn.
The Aussie, 51, has been in his role in charge of all footballing departments – de facto No2 to chairman Daniel Levy – since September 2023.
Levy said: “The club has experienced significant growth in recent years, making it crucial to expand our executive management.
“I have known Vinai for many years, having worked together in the Premier League and the ECA (European Club Association).
“I am personally delighted that he has agreed to join our board as we build for success.”
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However, the appointment of someone with 14 years of history at Arsenal has not gone down well with Spurs fans.
Reacting on social media, one fan said: “Is this seriously the state of our club where we hire the former CEO of Arsenal?”
A second said: ” Yeah Levy is trolling the fanbase again. “This is the last straw. A director from Arsenal! #Levy out.”
A third said: “The term ‘tone deaf’ is spectacularly lost on this club.”
Another said: “Embarrassing.”
Spurs face Wolves this Sunday as they aim to climb towards the top half of the Premier League table.
Ange Postecglou’s side drew 1-1 with Eintracht Frankfurt last night in the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final tie.
The competition is the final chance for Ange Postecoglou’s side to win some silverware this season, with the second leg to be played out next week.