Tottenham Hotspur Named England’s Best-Run Football Club: What It Means and How They Did It
Tottenham Hotspur may not have added any silverware to their trophy cabinet recently, but they have earned a significant accolade that sets them apart from their competitors. The Fair Game Index has named Tottenham Hotspur as England’s best-run football club, a title that reflects the club’s impressive governance, financial sustainability, ethical standards, and fan engagement. This recognition, while not a trophy, highlights the strides the club has made off the pitch and solidifies its reputation as a model for others to follow.
Topping the Fair Game Index: A Major Achievement
The Fair Game Index, a comprehensive study conducted by Fair Game—a coalition of over 30 professional football clubs advocating for governance reforms—evaluates clubs across 226 metrics. These metrics span crucial areas like finances, governance, ethical standards, and fan engagement, which are increasingly important as English football prepares for the arrival of an independent regulator.
Tottenham Hotspur topped the index with a score of 68.2 out of 100, outperforming other clubs such as Manchester United, Cambridge United, Brentford, and Norwich City. The club’s strong performance across all four pillars of the study, particularly in governance, propelled it to the top spot. This achievement is especially notable given the high level of scrutiny and competition among the clubs analyzed.
Governance: The Cornerstone of Tottenham’s Success
One of the key factors in Tottenham’s top ranking was its governance. As a publicly listed company (PLC), Tottenham is subject to rigorous standards and accountability measures that many privately-owned clubs are not. This status has necessitated a focus on transparency, ethical practices, and long-term sustainability, all of which are critical components of good governance.
Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy expressed pride in the club’s achievement, stating, “As a club that prides itself on good governance—with a key focus on sustainability, fan engagement, and delivering for our local communities—we are delighted to have been recognized as England’s best-run club by the Fair Game Index.” Levy’s comments underscore the importance of governance not just as a compliance requirement but as a strategic asset that supports the club’s broader objectives.
Sustainable Investments: A Future-Proof Approach
In addition to governance, Tottenham’s approach to sustainability has been a significant factor in its success. The club’s world-class stadium, which opened in 2019, is not only a state-of-the-art venue for football but also a multi-purpose facility designed to generate recurring revenue streams. These include hosting NFL games, concerts, and other events, all of which contribute to the club’s financial sustainability.
Levy highlighted this in his remarks, noting that the stadium and innovative partnerships “enable sustainable, recurring investment into our football operations to ensure we remain competitive on the pitch and challenge for major honours.” This approach reflects a broader trend in football, where clubs are increasingly looking to diversify their revenue sources to mitigate the risks associated with on-pitch performance.
Fan Engagement and Ethical Standards: Building a Strong Community
Another area where Tottenham excelled in the Fair Game Index is fan engagement. The club has made concerted efforts to strengthen its relationship with its supporters, recognizing that a loyal fan base is crucial to its long-term success. Tottenham has implemented various initiatives to involve fans in decision-making processes, such as regular consultations and feedback mechanisms, which have helped to build trust and foster a sense of community.
Ethical standards were also a key component of the Fair Game Index, and Tottenham’s commitment to these standards contributed to its high ranking. The club’s focus on operating ethically, both in terms of its business practices and its interactions with the broader community, has set it apart from many of its competitors. This commitment is reflected in the club’s support for various social and charitable initiatives, which have had a positive impact on the local community.
The Broader Implications: A Call for Change in English Football
Tottenham’s success in the Fair Game Index comes at a time when English football is facing significant challenges related to governance, financial sustainability, and ethical practices. The introduction of an independent football regulator, which is expected to oversee these areas, has been a key topic of discussion within the sport.
Fair Game CEO Niall Couper emphasized the importance of addressing these issues, stating, “Football is far from perfect, but with the likelihood of an incoming football regulator, there is a real chance to change it for the better. To deliver real and meaningful change, we need to understand the problems.” Couper’s comments highlight the need for comprehensive reform in English football to ensure that clubs are run in a sustainable and ethical manner.
The Fair Game Index also revealed that English clubs, while making progress, are still lagging behind their Scottish counterparts in several areas. The Scottish Premier League, for example, had a higher average score overall and for both finances and governance than its English equivalent. Celtic, in particular, ranked No. 1 in the entire study, with several other Scottish clubs making the top 10. This suggests that there are valuable lessons to be learned from the way football is managed north of the border.
Tottenham top Fair Game Index: England’s top 10
| Club | Overall score |
| 1. Tottenham Hotspur | 68.2 |
| 2. Manchester United | 65.4 |
| 3. Cambridge United | 60.3 |
| 4. Brentford | 60.2 |
| 5. Norwich City | 59.4 |
| 6. Swansea City | 58.4 |
| 7. Fulham | 58.2 |
| 8. AFC Wimbledon | 57.8 |
| 9. Exeter City | 57.7 |
| 10. Liverpool | 57.3 |
So: A Blueprint for the Future
Tottenham Hotspur’s recognition as England’s best-run football club is a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved in the club, from the boardroom to the pitch. While the club continues to strive for success on the field, this accolade serves as a reminder that excellence off the field is equally important.
As English football braces for the changes that an independent regulator will bring, Tottenham’s approach to governance, sustainability, and fan engagement offers a blueprint for other clubs to follow. By prioritizing these areas, clubs can not only enhance their competitiveness but also ensure that they remain vibrant, community-focused institutions for generations to come.
