“He never wanted more” – Former Spurs star reacts to Daniel Levy exit | OneFootball

Jamie O’Hara Questions Daniel Levy’s Ambition at Spurs

Former Tottenham midfielder Jamie O’Hara has once again raised doubts about the ambition of Daniel Levy’s reign as chairman. Speaking on Sky Sports FC, O’Hara reflected on the past two decades and Tottenham’s place in the footballing hierarchy.

Spurs’ Off-Field Growth

O’Hara was quick to acknowledge the progress made behind the scenes. “I think where the club is at, looking at the foundations, he’s done a really good job. They are a massive, global franchise football club now – but you cannot say the success on the pitch has been there.”

There is no denying that Spurs’ state-of-the-art stadium, financial muscle, and growing global brand have established the club among Europe’s elite commercially. “Off the pitch, Spurs are in an unbelievable state. The stadium, the finances, where they are in terms of being able to spend money – the options are there.”

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On-Pitch Failures

However, O’Hara insists that this progress hasn’t been mirrored by tangible silverware. “Two trophies in 24 years is not good enough, while Spurs are a massive football club.”

For many supporters, moments such as reaching the 2019 Champions League final or challenging for the Premier League title under Mauricio Pochettino highlight Spurs’ potential. Yet, as O’Hara suggested, these moments often felt like false dawns. “There have always been moments in Daniel Levy’s reign when there was a time to kick on as a football club and it just didn’t feel like he did it.”

Questions Over Ambition

Perhaps the most damning reflection came from O’Hara’s personal experience. “I played under Daniel Levy and won the 2008 League Cup – but it never felt like he wanted more. Can we go to the next level? Can we go and be a big football club? It never felt like we were ever going to go on and be a Liverpool, Man Utd or Arsenal and dominate. It was: amazing, we’ve won the Carabao Cup.”

His words echo long-standing frustrations among fans who believe that Spurs, despite having the infrastructure, have consistently fallen short when it comes to ambition and delivery.

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From a Spurs supporter’s perspective, O’Hara’s words strike a familiar chord. The club has been transformed commercially, but questions remain about whether success on the pitch has been prioritised enough.

For many fans, the last 20 years have been a tale of near misses. The 2016–17 Premier League campaign under Pochettino promised so much, while the run to the 2019 Champions League final felt like Spurs’ moment to announce themselves on the global stage. Yet each time, the club appeared hesitant to invest when it mattered most, leaving fans frustrated at what could have been.

Supporters admire Daniel Levy for building a world-class stadium and ensuring Spurs can compete financially. However, the emotional connection of football is built on trophies, and two in 24 years is undeniably underwhelming. Fans see rivals like Liverpool, and Manchester City lifting silverware regularly, while Tottenham continue to fall short in critical moments.

Some fans might argue that expectations need realism, pointing to Spurs’ traditional status outside the “super clubs.” Yet others believe that with the infrastructure now in place, the excuse of being outsiders no longer holds weight. O’Hara’s claim that “it never felt like he wanted more” will resonate with many in the stands who fear Spurs risk being defined more by commercial growth than sporting glory.

Ultimately, for supporters, the hope is that lessons from the past will shape the future. Spurs now have the resources, the fanbase, and the platform. The question is whether the hierarchy truly have the desire to match that with success on the pitch.