Fergie on Levy - More painful than my hip operation!

DANIEL Levy has stepped down as Tottenham's executive chairman, and legendary United manager Sir Alex Ferguson's admission encapsulates what a hard nut he was to crack.

- By BEN CRAWFORD

Levy, who joined the Spurs board in December 2000, has been the driving force behind the north London club's transition from White Hart Lane to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. He now steps down after almost 25 years without any alterations to his ownership or shares in the club.

This follows closely on the heels of Vinai Venkatesham's appointment as chief executive officer, while Peter Charrington has joined the board and assumed the role of non-executive chairman, in what is being portrayed as a move prioritising sporting success.

During his tenure with Spurs, Levy was known for his hardball approach to transfers, earning a reputation as a savvy negotiator with a knack for striking a deal.