Tottenham: Vinai Venkatesham reveals shock at Daniel Levy removal but expects smooth transition of power | OneFootball

The pair expected to work together for many seasons to come but Levy was relieved of his duties

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Vinai Venkatesham paid tribute to the "extraordinary" work of Daniel Levy at Tottenham, but insisted it is already "business as usual" after his departure.

After nearly 25 years as executive chairman, Levy's tenure came to an end on Thursday with a shock announcement.

The Lewis family wanted a modern boardroom structure, rather than a more dominant single figure like Levy, and chief executive Venkatesham has been placed at the heart of that.

Peter Charrington has moved into the newly created role of non-executive chairman and Venkatesham is confident the restructured hierarchy will seamlessly take the reins.

"I think it's really fair to say that it was big news last week with the announcement on Thursday that Daniel is leaving the club," Venkatesham said.

"But what I would say is the club is well-organised for succession. We have a very strong executive team in place.

"What might feel like a slightly strange thing to say to the external world, although it's big news, inside the club it really is business as usual."

A lack of success was behind the decision of the Lewis family to end Levy's tenure, with the Europa League triumph in May only the second trophy Spurs have lifted since he arrived at the club in 2001.

However, Levy has overseen significant change off the pitch. Spurs' stadium is among the best in the world and they can also boast state-of-the-art training facilities. Levy has also left the club in a healthy financial state compared to many Premier League rivals.

Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is the envy of many rival teams

Andrew Matthews/PA Wire

"What he has done over the last 25 years at this football club is extraordinary," Venkatesham said of Levy.

"He has played a huge part in the transformation of the club. There are so many examples - the training centre, the stadium, the media centre. His contribution is there for all to see and I think his legacy really is extraordinary.

"For me personally, obviously, I was expecting that I was going to be working with Daniel for many years. It's ended up only being a few months but he has been a wonderful support and counsel to me during that period and I feel really settled in."

Venkatesham confirmed that the Lewis family remain committed to Spurs long-term, as the owners reinforced themselves with a statement late on Sunday confirming that two takeover approaches had been rejected.

Spurs' chief executive also suggested that the family now want some stability after a period of boardroom change, as he predicted a positive "new era" for the club.

"I think also at a time like this it's really natural to pause and look back and reflect," Venkatesham said.

"But I also know in my job it's really important to look forward and this is a new era for the club under new leadership, completely backed by our majority shareholder, the Lewis family.

"So we can feel optimistic and ambitious for the future as well."