This summer was already shaping up to to be a summer of change at Tottenham Hotspur. Not only is there still speculation over Ange Postecoglou’s continued job as head coach, but the appointment of Vinai Venkatesham as Chief Football Executive, as well as the expected return of Fabio Paratici in a major role and the departure of Scott Munn signal a major reshuffle within the front room staff at the club.
This morning we have news of an equally significant departure. According to a release on the club’s website, Tottenham board member and Executive Director Donna-Maria Cullen is stepping down from the Spurs board and leaving the club. The time frame for her departure was not stated, but it was implied she would leave before the start of next season.
In the club’s statement, Cullen said that this was the right time to leave and spend more time with her family.
““It has been quite some journey, starting at White Hart Lane, with a brief stay at Wembley and finally our new home - amazing memories home and away. Ending this season with the Europa League Trophy was a dream come true. The time is now right for me to gather more time for myself and my family, whom I thank for all their support over the years. I shall spend the coming months ensuring there is a smooth handover with my staff. Thank you all. I wish everyone at the Club all the success in the world.”
This is a pretty significant event. Cullen has been involved with Tottenham for three decades, first as an advisor and then, beginning in 2006, as one of Daniel Levy’s most trusted lieutenants. She was a specialist in public relations and most of the communications that has come out of the club would’ve had some of her fingerprints on it. She was also influential as the club continued to grow over the past 20 years from a midtable club to one that regularly competes near the top of the Premier League.
She was, it should be noted, also a lightning rod for criticism from some segments of the Spurs fan base. Among fans highly critical of Levy and ENIC’s control of Tottenham Hotspur, Cullen was viewed equally negatively, if not more so.
It’s not known what has precipitated her departure from the club. It could be that it was simply time for her to move on, and we have no reason to suggest otherwise. It could be that the arrival of Venkatesham indicates some sort of larger shakeup at the board level. It could be for some other yet unknown reason. All of that is speculation. But it is nonetheless a significant departure.
In the same statement on Spurs’ website, Levy thanked Cullen for her contributions to the club during her tenure
“Donna has made an immense contribution to the Club, over an extensive period. Her diverse responsibilities grew significantly and replacing her roles with a single individual will be impossible.
“While many may associate her primarily with marketing and communications, Donna’s impact extends far beyond those areas. Notably, her leadership and political acumen at planning committees, was instrumental in the Club being able to build one of the finest stadiums and training centres in the world.
“...Her daily input will be greatly missed, however she fully deserves to take time for herself, and I know that we shall be able to call upon her advice when needed. We wish her well for the future.”