Comolli And Levy: A Match Made In Hell?

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Mr. C returns! Tottenham supporters rejoice! Or hurl fruit and veg!

As many supporters struggle with the concept of constructive criticism, maybe they should look away now.

November 2005 to many won’t carry much significance but for the supporters who look deeper into the Tottenham affairs will know that is the time where Damien Comolli was appointed Sporting Director and Vice Chairman David Buchler decided he could no longer commit to the job due to other business interests.

I don’t quite understand how being a Vice Chairman could take up so much of your time; this unless he was completely running the club from top to bottom – perhaps Buchler finally got tired of been given little credit for the success of the company while Daniel Levy and co took the plaudits, and perhaps the profits? But as Buchler stepped out, Levy stepped in as Chairman; a role he didn’t feel he could fulfill when ENIC took over in 2001. The switch was apparent non-issue with most fans, but one which which could have long term ramifications – some of which we may be feeling already.

A trip down memory lane finds us in December 2005 with the club in fourth in the Premiership with some of the best young players in the Premiership. If we were going to push on in the final half of the season then sound investment in the January transfer window was going to be important – especially with Mido going off to the African Nations Cup. It was the first test for Levy and Comolli to earn their paychecks.

The net result? Sean Davis out, Pedro Mendes out, Noe Pamarot out, Rasiak out, Michael Brown out, Wayne Routledge out on loan and in come Murphy and Ghaly – the latter of whom who would be unavailable all season due to injury. The reward for a distinct lack of ambition was a poor run of form to end the season and a missed opportunity to pip Arsenal for fourth. The fantastic signings of Berbatov and Chimbonda aside, not much has changed in windows since with the signing of a UEFA cup-tied centre back as cover now proving the latest blunder.

Is Levy and Comolli’s performance in the transfer market hampering Tottenham’s progress? Since they have taken control we have been criticised by executives and managers from Liverpool, Wigan and Middlesbrough over the way we have conducted ourselves. Why haven’t we used the money from our sponsorships with Mansion and Puma to cement our place as Champions League place contenders? In truth Comolli and Levy have done nothing to build on the great foundation they inherited from Bulcher and Chelsea turncoat Frank Arnesen.

We are one of the few clubs who have the financial clout to compete and yet Bolton and Everton match our progress with considerably less funds – something that is entirely unacceptable. We have the foundation of a squad that is capable of creating something special but if we don’t build on it now then the likes of Lennon, Dawson and Berbatov will move on in search of regular Champions League football. Maybe Levy should stop rewarding himself with a half million pound pay rise and throw some money at the squad.

I have been highly critical of Jol in the past for his tactical ineptness at certain times this season and while he continues to fail to convince me otherwise, but I also question whether he is been given the right resources to work with by those above him? One thing is for certain; this is the most important transfer window coming up as all clubs will be getting a big lump of TV money from Sky.

Our future successes could be determined by our performance in this window; it is a critical time and Levy and Comolli will have to do much better if we are to come out on top.