“Not in a million years” did Daniel Levy believe Tottenham would be fighting for Premier League survival this season after he stepped down as executive chairman in September.
Levy said “relegation was not something we ever considered” during his 25 years in the role, but a wretched run of form in 2026 saw them slip into the drop zone.
After taking eight points from the last 12, Spurs are now two points above third-bottom West Ham with two games remaining.
Levy was appointed a CBE in the New Year Honours list for his services to charity and the community.
Speaking following Wednesday’s investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle he said he felt “emptiness” at the team’s league position, but insisted he remained “optimistic that we will remain in the Premier League”.
Asked if he saw any signs the club would end up in a relegation scrap, he added “never, no, not in a million years”.
Levy oversaw the construction of Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and although the team reached the 2019 Champions League final, the only trophies Spurs won during Levy’s spell as executive chairman were the 2008 League Cup and last season’s Europa League.
“What I would have hoped for is winning the Premier League, winning the Champions League… easier said than done,” he added.