Tottenham Hotspur's non-executive chairman Peter Charrington has issued a frank admission that "football success had not been driving our decisions" at the club, pledging a full rebuild in an open letter addressed to supporters.

The letter came days after Spurs narrowly escaped relegation, securing a 1-0 victory over Everton on the final day of the Premier League season to finish 17th — the same position as the previous campaign. The result also sent West Ham down in their place.

A reset that came 'later than it should have'

Charrington, appointed to the Spurs board in March 2025, acknowledged the club had allowed its identity to erode. "The qualities that make Spurs distinct, our football, our ambition, the connection between the team and its supporters, had been allowed to fade," he wrote.

"We did not have the right expertise in key roles. We did not build squads good enough to compete in the most demanding league in the world."

He confirmed that last September the Lewis family — who own the club — authorised a full reset following a recognition that fundamental change was necessary. "That decision was not taken lightly, and it came later than it should have," Charrington admitted. The reset coincided with Daniel Levy's departure after nearly 25 years as executive chairman, with sources indicating the move was aimed at improving sporting performance.

De Zerbi backed to lead the rebuild

Manager Roberto de Zerbi, the club's third head coach of the season following Thomas Frank and Igor Tudor, is credited by Charrington with rescuing Spurs from the drop. The Italian signed a five-year contract upon joining in March and has been backed by the chairman to "build back to where we need to be."

Charrington said De Zerbi "represents the kind of football and ambition that Tottenham should stand for." Midfielders James Maddison and Conor Gallagher echoed that sentiment.

"Without that appointment, disaster could have maybe struck, but it didn't and he takes a lot of credit for that because of the work he's done behind the scenes and on the training pitch," Maddison said.

"From the first day or two he had everyone under his wing. Everyone trusted him instantly — it was like 'thank God he's come in' straight away," Gallagher added.

Ownership, investment, and future plans

Charrington also moved to quash speculation over a change of ownership, stating firmly that Tottenham are "not for sale" and that the Lewis family remain "wholly committed" to the club's future. Last September, Spurs rejected an informal takeover approach from a consortium led by American tech entrepreneur Brooklyn Earick.

The chairman outlined investment plans spanning multiple transfer windows, beginning this summer, with the aim of building a squad capable of competing at the top of the Premier League and in European football. Upgrades to the medical and performance departments are also planned, alongside increased investment in the academy and the women's team, managed by Martin Ho.

Charrington closed his letter with a message of gratitude to supporters who endured a turbulent campaign. "Even in the darkest of seasons, you showed up and carried this team. That loyalty is not something we take for granted. It is something we are determined to be worthy of."