Back in July, in the ENIC thread, I posted the following:
"
...what happens in the next two to three months will tell us an awful lot. I think there's going to be some stuff to tell personally. It's not
Nostradamus stuff, the writing is on the wall. They turfed out Munn, Donna Cullen's departure was known to be coming, Vinai would've been a work in progress for months plus he is not the sort who shows up for a paycheck. I think there's still stuff going on. We'll see how it all shakes out money-wise, but I definitely think we are entering a new era and way of operation. If we are also serious about Wharton, and if that happens, we would be ticking a lot of boxes..."
The rumours have been circling for some time. I think it was Sam Mokbai who essentially said the same on Five Live. People have been whispering about this moment yet no-one was quite sure when. I think when Peter Charrington came in last March it was under the radar. Vinai certainly wasn't. Neither was the departure of Donna....the signs have been there but subtle. Little things, like Vinai being in the Romero new contract video, perhaps even his immediate presence media-wise. It offers the interesting question as to whether the Lewis family will want a couple of years or so investing more money into the playing side of the club to see where it can go, or whether they want to sell soon and this makes that easier as it will be a 'clean slate' for whomever would buy? I am guessing here, but I'd say it is the former however with the caveat that IF a situation or opportunity arises that is felt too good to turn down, then it can be quickly acted upon.
I think it is easy to criticize.
Personally, I see it as a moment to recognize what he has done for this club versus what he didn't, and to further realise he did HIS best which is not always aligned with what supporters want (I include myself).
I hope people take the time to remember all the tremendous work Levy has done off the pitch. He has made mistakes with footballing decisions, however nobody should deny that he has been the best business-based chairman in football over the last 30 years. For signs of how wrong a big club can get it, look at Man Utd.
Finally, the Lewis family are doubtless very grateful for his work. He has made us one of the biggest clubs globally, punching way above our weight when measured against on-pitch successes. The stadium will always be his legacy, and it is to his huge credit that he worked so hard to incorporate so many elements of the Lane in it...
The time is right for this moment, so thank you for all you did do Daniel Levy, and perhaps now we march on and enjoy the on-pitch success we crave...