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Tottenham have seen a raft of changes at the boardroom level in recent months.

Daniel Levy was the most high-profile exit at Tottenham, leaving his role as executive chairman in September.

While Levy delivered on his main task of bringing the state-of-the-art Tottenham Hotspur Stadium to life, there is still one problem.

Tottenham do not have a naming rights deal in place for their new home, and are losing out on a huge potential windfall as a result, and one man has had the blame placed firmly at his door.

Who is at fault for Tottenham’s lack of a stadium naming rights deal?

Tottenham are set to bring Alex Scotcher on board as their commercial director in January, to try and finally secure a deal.

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John Wenham believes the blame lies squarely on Todd Kline, who joined Tottenham as Chief Commercial Officer in June 2021, but departed his role in February 2024.

Speaking exclusively to Tottenham News, he said: “On the naming rights deal, what a failure that whole process has been, they brought in a guy, Todd Kline, on big money, who had secured multiple deals in the American system.

“His only job was to secure a naming rights deal and the fact that he failed to do it, you could say ‘well Tottenham have been holding out for £25million’, but if they had taken £15m, they would have had money coming in at that rate since 2019, so a significant period of time has been missed on that.”

Why is the lack of a naming rights deal such a problem for Tottenham?

As Wenham states, the North London club have already lost out on a huge sum over the years, as they have not had a deal in place.

The fact that they brought Kline in to do so, and he failed, due to whatever reason, whether it be the finances on offer or not, is simply not good enough.

Thomas Frank’s side could have been further along in their progress, if the money had been rolling in constantly since the stadium opened in 2019.

Instead, they are playing catch-up, and a deal is still not in place, and Kline has left his post, it is an utterly embarrassing situation for all involved, and one that the N17 outfit needs to sort as soon as possible.

Daniel Levy’s genius may have been underrated by Tottenham supporters.

Levy resigned from his role as Tottenham’s executive chairman in September after 25 years in the role, to the delight of a huge section of the fanbase.

Tottenham’s frugality in the market left supporters angry, with many feeling like they could have done more in the market.

However, his business acumen off the field cannot be questioned, especially after a new reveal on the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium that may leave rivals in awe.

Newcastle and other Premier League clubs realise Levy was a genius

John Wenham believes that Levy cannot be faulted for his decision off the field, and that rivals are learning about how good the businessman was, as they try to build their own new stadiums.

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He used the example of Newcastle, who are having issues when it comes to building a new home, away from St James’ Park, per Sky Sports.

Speaking exclusively to Tottenham News, he said: “Daniel Levy, the businessman, 10 out of 10, on a whole, he was fantastic for Tottenham, bringing in the training ground, moving to a fantastic stadium, that was paid for at such low interest rates over a significant period of time.

“Where the likes of United, Birmingham, Villa, other clubs are planning new stadiums now, Newcastle and Chelsea are unable to get off the ground with it, and are realising the financial cost involved.

“Whereas, Tottenham got rates to borrow for 30 years, at like 1.4 per cent and stuff.”

Why was Levy so hated by Tottenham fans?

His financial decisions were the stuff of dreams, and have left Spurs in a brilliant place to capitalise after his exit, so why do supporters dislike Levy so much?

Wenham believes that it is because he refused to strengthen the squad on multiple occasions, when the Lilywhites were in great positions to push on.

He said: “You look at Levy, the football guy, and there is absolutely right to be frustration there, there has been multiple times that Tottenham could have pushed on and haven’t done so.

“We might be sitting here talking about Tottenham having at least one Premier League title under their belt, if they could have won it in the year when they battled with Leicester, or they could have won it the following year when they finished on 86 points.

“There have been times where a little bit more pushing could have really delivered, I know even under Harry Redknapp, there was a spell where we really pushed on.

“Instead of going out and pushing to get Carlos Tevez, who was reported to be available at the time, getting Louis Saha and Ryan Nelsen in on cheap, short-term deals, didn’t cut the mustard.

“There was a time when we had a midfield of Luca Modric, Gareth Bale, Aaron Lennon and Scott Parker, people will say ‘Scott Parker’, but he won the FWA Player of the Year that year, that is how good he is, as a holding midfielder.

“There were times when he could have pushed Tottenham on, and didn’t, and I think the feeling was when he moved on, it was the right time for all.”

Malachi Hardy has been singled out for special praise after Tottenham secured UEFA Youth League victory over Slavia Prague.

Tottenham men’s side beat Slavia Prague 3-0 as the Lilywhites moved up into 11th place with just one matchweek remaining in the initial stages of the Champions League.

The Lilywhites had some key individual performances to thank as Mohamed Kudus was excellent for Tottenham once again at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Thomas Frank’s side sealed victory just hours after Tottenham beat Prague 9-1 in the Youth League in a stellar performance.

Hardy has received a glowing review for his showcase as several of his Spurs teammates were appreciated by the Czech outfit.

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Malachi Hardy gets mention from Slavia Prague coach

Tottenham tied Hardy down to new contract terms earlier in the year as they continue to show faith in the 17-year-old as one for the future.

The centre-back signed for the Lilywhites at just eight years old and in recent months has featured regularly for the under-18s and 19s side.

That has seen him feature in the Youth League and play a key role, as Spurs have already qualified for the round of 32.

Tottenham did so with a superb win against Slavia Prague, with nine goals coming from potential Spurs first-teamer Luca Williams Barnett (5), Tynan Thompson (3) and James Rowswell (1).

Slavia Prague Academy coach Jonathan Davies was left blown away by what he saw from the North London club and took to X to reveal who he rated highly.

He said: “Callum Olusesi, Luca Williams-Barnett, Tynan Thompson. I really liked the two centre-backs too, Junai Byfield and Malachi Hardy.

“Hardy was a real leader and communicator. The goalkeeper [Dylan Thompson] was really good with his distribution.“

Hardy shines alongside Luca Williams-Barnett for Tottenham

There’s no doubting that Williams-Barnett is the jewel in the academy crown in N17 right now after a stellar spell.

The teenage attacking midfielder has certainly caught the eye and looks destined to feature under Frank at some stage in the near future.

It is no surprise when he picks up praise, especially after scoring five goals, but it is nice to see Hardy get that recognition as well.

If he can continue to catch the eye, there is no reason why the defender won’t also be called upon to have some involvement in the Premier League or FA Cup at some stage this campaign.

Tottenham are still planning to trigger a contract extension for Yves Bissouma if he doesn’t leave in January.

The Malian midfielder’s current deal is set to expire in the summer but the club hold the ability to add an extra 12 months.

He hasn’t played at all since Thomas Frank took over, having been left out for lateness soon after the Dane arrived.

Bissouma was then injured on international duty and was recently caught allegedly inhaling laughing gas for a second time, having had to apologise for the same issue after being suspended by Ange Postecoglou last year.

Tottenham want to sell Bissouma in January

Tottenham have been tipped to get rid of Bissouma after the latest incident, and according to an update in The Times they do plan to do so in the January window if possible.

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Spurs were looking to trigger Bissouma’s extension prior to the recent developments but it appeared that ship may now have sailed.

However, according to The Times Tottenham do still plan to add the extra year on if a deal for him to depart cannot be struck in the winter market.

While they are looking to offload him the club are reportedly “determined” not to lose the 29-year-old on a free transfer.

Pressure on Tottenham’s January transfer window

Tottenham’s home win against Brentford last weekend, followed up by a Champions League victory over Slavia Prague, has helped ease some pressure on Frank.

And with Xavi Simons finally finding some form the squad is looking slightly less lacking, but the way Spurs approach the January window still looks crucial to getting much of anything from this season.

Getting rid of Bissouma to clear space on the wage bill and get something in return adds extra pressure to what is sure to be a hectic month behind the scenes, but if they can be successful in striking a deal it could open some doors to an extra new arrival.

Frank and the fans will have to hope that it doesn’t draw the focus away from more pressing areas of need, however, with striker still looking short thanks to Dominic Solanke’s injury issues and inconsistency from Richarlison and Randal Kolo Muani.

Jamie Donley’s loan to Stoke has not gone to plan.

Tottenham had a very busy summer window, as expected, with several youth stars moving out on loan in search of regular football.

Will Lankshear joined Oxford, Mikey Moore joined Rangers, and Donley joined Championship side Stoke on a season-long loan.

After an impressive campaign with Leyton Orient, Tottenham had high hopes for Donley, hence his move up the English pyramid.

However, his move has certainly not gone to plan, and he may return to North London within a few weeks.

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Tottenham need to recall Donley

Donley scored eight goals and registered 11 assists for Orient last season, showcasing the undeniable quality he has.

However, since moving to Stoke, the 20-year-old has played just 77 minutes of Championship football, making just four appearances in the league.

Despite his lack of gametime, Donley has still been able to register an assist.

His last appearance for the Potters was in their 2-0 defeat to Millwall, where he was brought on as a substitute in the 72nd minute.

At 20 years old, he needs to be playing regular football, and it is becoming increasingly apparent that he is not going to get that at Stoke.

If his development isn’t going to be stunted, Tottenham simply have to recall Donley in January and reassess their options with the youngster.

Mark Robins’ comments on Donley now seem silly

Anyone who has watched Donley will be fully aware of the fact that he is more than capable of thriving in the Championship.

That sentiment was even echoed by Mark Robins, the manager of Stoke, when his loan arrival was announced.

“He’s bright, and he’s great to have,” Robin said at the start of the season.

“I’m delighted we’ve got him, and he’ll be a big player for us. He’ll get better and better over time.”

However, those comments now hold little to no value given the fact that Robins has, for whatever reason, refused to hand him time on the pitch.

If this continues, it will have a major impact on his development, and Tottenham cannot allow that to happen.

Thomas Frank has not endured the best start to his reign at Tottenham, but he can turn it around against Nottingham Forest.

Tottenham fans were beginning to get frustrated with Frank after disappointing losses against Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain and Fulham.

However, Frank has steadied the ship, with a draw against Newcastle, followed by victories over Brentford and Slavia Prague.

His side face Forest on 14 December, looking to continue that positive run of form, and start a run up the Premier League table.

Why Thomas Frank has the advantage for Nottingham Forest clash

John Wenham believes that Frank has finally found a formula for success at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, and he is backing the Dane to succeed at the City Ground.

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He thinks that Frank will ease the pressure, which will come as great news to the beleaguered Lilywhites boss.

Speaking exclusively to Tottenham News, he said: “I think Tottenham will continue to improve now, I’m backing us to go to Forest and win at the weekend, and if we do that, and other results go our way, we could be fourth or fifth in the table, any pressure on Thomas Frank will quickly evaporate.

“Why do I say I am confident of going to Forest, they have Utrecht away tonight, whereas we played a home game on Tuesday.

“For years, Tottenham have been the ones that have suffered by playing away in the Europa League on the Thursday, then going to clubs that have played Champions League on the Tuesday or not played at all.

“For once, the boot is on the other foot, and I am expecting this new attacking, dynamic, Tottenham side, featuring Xavi, featuring Kudus and featuring a bit of consistency, for the game on Tuesday against Slavia Prague, we actually kept nine of the same players that had played on the weekend.

For once, we are seeing some consistency in the team, and I think that can only be positive, and we will continue to pick up points on that basis.”

What should Frank’s ambitions be for Tottenham this season?

For starters, Frank should be aiming for a place in the Champions League again, with the most likely route to that, being a top-five finish in the Premier League.

Success in that competition seems like a long shot, with the likes of Manchester City, PSG and Real Madrid boasting superior squads to the Lilywhites.

If he could achieve a top-five finish while adding a domestic trophy, it would be a successful first season in North London.

He can take a step closer to that ambition against Forest.

Jeff Stelling does not fancy Tottenham’s chances of overcoming Nottingham Forest in the Premier League this weekend.

Spurs beat Brentford 2-0 last time out at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium to relieve some of the pressure on Thomas Frank.

Tottenham followed up that win over Frank’s former side with a comprehensive 3-0 win over Slavia Prague at home in the Champions League.

That has lessened talk of Frank potentially being close to the sack at Tottenham, but that could all change with one bad result.

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Jeff Stelling predicts Nottingham Forest to beat Tottenham

Spurs have four days to rest up between the Slavia match and the trip to City Ground to face Forest on Sunday.

The Reds, meanwhile, have just two full days between taking on Utrecht in the Champions League and welcoming Spurs.

Stelling noted that quick turnaround in his prediction for the match, but still went with an away win this weekend.

“Despite Dyche’s arrival at Forest, they’re still in trouble,” he told talkSPORT. “I think they’ll certainly get out of it, but they have to travel to Europe in midweek, while Spurs stayed at home.

“Xavi Simons has finally come to the party as far as Tottenham are concerned, but Forest did the double in this fixture last season and I think they can just shade this one again. I’m going 2-1 Forest.”

Forest beat Tottenham 2-1 when the sides met in North London in April, with the sides managed by Nuno Espirito Santo and Ange Postecoglou respectively that day.

Tottenham unmatched by any Premier League club in one area

Tottenham’s return of 22 points from 15 matches is underwhelming and has the Lilywhites 11th in the Premier League.

That said, given the congested nature of the division right now, Spurs could climb as high as fifth if results go their way this weekend.

Frank’s side are definitely better on the road, too, even if they have just won a couple of games back-to-back at home.

Indeed, only Crystal Palace have won more Premier League away games (five) and collected more points (16) than Tottenham this season (four wins, 14 points).

Spurs, meanwhile, are also the only side to have scored in all of their games on the road so far this term.

Those travelling to the City Ground will expect nothing more than three points against a struggling Forest side that will be fatigued.

If that does not happen, expect the pressure to right back on the shoulders of Frank.

Supercomputer predicts exactly where Tottenham will now finish in Champions League

Tottenham boosted their hopes of advancing to the knockout rounds of the Champions League with a convincing 3-0 win over Slavia Prague on Tuesday.

A David Zima own goal was added to by penalties from Mohammed Kudus and Xavi Simons as Tottenham returned to winning ways in Europe against Slavia.

Kudus’ goal was his first in the Champions League for Tottenham in his fifth appearance, while it was his first strike in the competition since netting for Ajax against Rangers in November 2022.

Tottenham, meanwhile, scored two penalties in the same Champions League match for only the second time, also doing so against FC Twente in September 2010.

Spurs’ win, combined with other results across Tuesday and Wednesday, leaves the Lilywhites 11th in the 36-team standings.

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As a reminder, the top eight teams qualify automatically for the last 16, while the teams from ninth to 24th will have to come through the knockout phase playoffs.

It goes without saying Thomas Frank would rather not add more fixtures to Spurs’ 2026 programme, but simply finishing in the top 24 is the first priority.

Supercomputer predicts Spurs to finish 11th in league phase

Spurs have plenty to be cheerful about after beating Slavia, although far tougher tests lie ahead for Frank’s men.

Spurs still have Borussia Dortmund and Eintracht Frankfurt to play in January, meaning they could still rise or drop in the standings – or indeed stay where they are.

According to Opta’s supercomputer, Tottenham will finish in their current position of 11th place.

They are forecasted to finish with around 14 points, meaning a win and a defeat from those remaining two fixtures.

It would see Spurs finish ahead of Dortmund but marginally behind Inter, Barcelona and Real Madrid.

Beyond that, the supercomputer predicts Spurs will have a 74 per cent chance of advancing from their playoff match, but then only a 26 per cent chance of winning their last-16 tie.

Thomas Frank will want more than just reaching last 16

Reaching the last 16 of the bloated tournament is not easy, but Spurs fans will be hungry for more.

A lot of this depends on the draw, of course, but the supercomputer only gives Spurs about a one in four chance of advancing to the quarters.

Frank will be hoping the supercomputer is wrong, then, as he looks to use the competition to keep supporters fully on board.

Tottenham have won 100 per cent of their Champions League home matches this season (3/3), recording more victories at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the competition than they have managed in the Premier League.

That could stand Spurs in good stead when the knockout rounds get going in February, but there is plenty of football to come between now and then.

Jun’ai Byfield’s new contract at Tottenham has seen multiple players react to the news from around the footballing world, including Arsenal’s Max Dowman.

It was announced on Wednesday that the youngster has now penned a new deal at Spurs, committing to his first professional contract.

Richarlison was quick to make his feelings clear on Byfield’s new Tottenham contract on Wednesday, and now, stars such as Dowman and Moore have reacted to the news.

Max Dowman pleased as Jun’ai Byfield signs professional Tottenham deal

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The defender has been at the North London club since he was eight years old, and Spurs have been eager to ensure that his future remains at Thomas Frank’s side.

Reacting to the news, Byfield took to Instagram on 10 December, where he posted an image of himself signing the contract with the caption: “Happy to have signed my first professional contract for this club,” followed by a white emoji and a love heart.

Commenting on the post was Dowman, who put two red love heart emojis.

Moore also reacted to the news, commenting, “Congrats brother,” with a red love heart emoji.

How far can Byfield go?

Lilywhite Rose via X on 10 December stated that the youngster was “the best defender of his age in the country” after the contract news was announced.

Away from Spurs, Byfield also plays for England’s Under 17s, and took part in the recent World Cup in Qatar.

Frank is aware of his talent, with the defender on the bench during Tottenham’s UEFA Super Cup defeat in August.

Now, Byfield is used in Spurs’ Under 21s squad instead of the Under 17s as he looks to soon make his Tottenham first-team debut.

Hopefully, the youngster will get his chance under Frank, as he continues to grow into a top player.

Micky Van de Ven is going from strength to strength in the centre of Tottenham’s backline and is quickly becoming one of the best defenders in the world.

Van de Ven has been brilliant for Tottenham this season, and his performances could be rewarded with a new deal, along with a massive pay increase.

The Netherlands international has formed a strong partnership with Cristian Romero over the past few years, allowing Spurs to have a more settled backline.

So far this term, the former Wolfsburg man has played all bar one of Spurs’ Premier League matches, with the draw away at Newcastle being the only game he has sat out.

Micky van de Ven struggles away from Tottenham

While Van de Ven is one of the first names on the teamsheet for Spurs, he doesn’t have that same privilege at international level.

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Speaking on the No Tippy Tappy Football podcast, former Tottenham boss Tim Sherwood shocked Sam Allardyce by informing him that the 24-year-old doesn’t regularly start for the Netherlands.

Sherwood said: “He can’t even play for Holland; he doesn’t even get in their team.”

Allardyce replied: “What! You’re kidding me?”

Van De Ven, who Sherwood went on to describe as “special”, has been left out for two of the last six Netherlands games, and when he does start, he is pushed out to left-back.

Ronald Koeman prefers to utilise the likes of Jurrien Timber and Matthijs De Ligt alongside Virgil van Dijk.

Micky Van de Ven has been immense for Tottenham

Allardyce’s shock is more than understandable, as Van de Ven has proved his class during the opening stages of the 2025-26 campaign.

The Dutchman is so important for Thomas Frank’s side defensively, making 3.6 clearances and completing 3.7 recoveries per 90 in the Premier League.

Van de Ven also has a top-flight pass accuracy of 91 per cent, displaying his confidence and ability on the ball.

This season, the centre-back has made a massive impact offensively for Tottenham, already scoring three Premier League goals, as well as grabbing two in the Champions League.

From corners, Van de Ven is a real threat, but as seen against FC Copenhagen, he can also utilise his pace to drive past the opposition.

Indeed, as per FBref, Van de Ven is also in the top one percentile of all centre-backs across Europe’s top five leagues over the past 12 months for non-penalty goals per 90 minutes (0.18).

He is also in the top 86 percentile for passes completed, with the defender assured on the ball, strong defensively and a threat up the other end of the field.

If Spurs are to make a real challenge for the European places this season, then they will have to ensure they keep Van de Ven fit for the whole campaign.