Venkatesham pledges action in the transfer market and addresses the club’s wage policy.

Tottenham Hotspur chief executive Vinai Venkatesham has sought to calm rising fan anger by releasing a lengthy open letter in the club’s matchday programme ahead of the Premier League showdown with West Ham United.

Spurs approach the London derby sitting 14th in the table, with another disappointing campaign unfolding. Under head coach Thomas Frank, the club has already exited both domestic cup competitions, while long-term injuries to key players have disrupted any chance of consistency. Results have been particularly worrying, with only two wins in the last 13 matches, further fuelling frustration among supporters.

That frustration has become increasingly evident inside the stadium. Frank and his squad have faced boos at full-time on multiple occasions, while chants mocking the team’s style of play and lack of progress have echoed around the ground, highlighting growing dissatisfaction with the direction of the club under the Danish manager.

Although the week brought a boost with the £34.7 million signing of Conor Gallagher from Atlético Madrid, tensions remain high. A protest organised by the supporter group Change for Tottenham is still set to go ahead before Saturday’s match, aiming to spotlight anger over another underwhelming season despite repeated changes behind the scenes.

Against this backdrop, images of Venkatesham’s letter have circulated among fans. The statement follows recent discussions between club officials and the Tottenham Hotspur Supporters’ Trust, where supporters demanded greater transparency and clearer communication. The CEO’s message appears to be a direct response, setting out explanations, commitments and a vision for the future.

In the letter, Venkatesham acknowledged the club’s struggles and attempted to reassure supporters that meaningful steps are being taken. He reiterated that the shared goal of the board, executive team and ownership is to establish Tottenham as regular Champions League contenders and serious challengers for major trophies, while also raising the competitive standards of the women’s team.

He admitted that words alone are no longer enough, recognising that fans are tired of promises without visible progress. Venkatesham explained that the club has been carrying out an extensive internal review in recent months, describing the current period as a rare opportunity for a genuine reset. He insisted Spurs are determined to modernise their operations and reduce the gap to Europe’s elite.
The CEO conceded that while football has evolved rapidly, Tottenham have not always kept pace in key areas, and that everyone at the club feels the distance between present reality and long-term ambition. He also acknowledged supporter impatience, admitting that performances and results from the men’s team have fallen short this season.

A central theme of the letter was squad building. Venkatesham said the club still believes in the current group of players but accepts that greater quality, experience and leadership are needed to compete consistently at the highest level. He outlined the need for a more proactive recruitment approach and a wage structure that balances ambition with financial sustainability.

Tottenham, he said, will look to strengthen the squad in January where opportunities arise, while recognising that most transfer business typically happens in the summer. He stressed that future signings must genuinely improve the team and that the club will remain disciplined rather than pursuing short-term solutions.

He also highlighted the importance of knowing when to sell players and being decisive about moving on those who no longer align with the club’s long-term plans. Venkatesham emphasised maximising player value and carefully managing Financial Fair Play rules, challenging the idea that Spurs operate without financial constraints.

This renewed approach is reflected in the appointment of Rafi Moersen from City Football Group as Director of Football Operations. Working under Sporting Director Johan Lange, Moersen will help shape recruitment strategy and oversee player transactions when he joins later this year.

Venkatesham also stressed the importance of the academy, calling it a cornerstone of Tottenham’s future. A strong youth system not only produces first-team players without major transfer costs but also enables greater investment elsewhere while developing footballers who understand the club’s identity. While progress has been made, he admitted Spurs must deliver more first-team opportunities and stronger transfer returns from academy graduates, with additional investment committed to improving the development pathway.

To strengthen communication and engagement, he announced the appointments of Kate Miller as Chief Communications Officer and Adam Gardiner as Chief Marketing Officer, joining Moersen as part of a new executive structure designed to create a more modern and collaborative club environment.

Finally, Venkatesham reaffirmed that Tottenham’s ambitions extend beyond the men’s team. He reiterated the club’s commitment to Spurs Women, pointing to January investment and early signs of improvement, while emphasising the need to grow support and visibility for the women’s side.

He concluded by thanking supporters for their loyalty and passion, acknowledging how deeply the club matters to them. Venkatesham insisted Tottenham cannot exist without its fans and promised that everyone at the club is determined to build a future worthy of their commitment.