Tottenham Hotspur Crowned England’s Best-Run Club – But What Does it Mean?
In a shocking turn of events, an independent analysis of 34 EFL and non-league clubs has named a Premier League side as the best-run club in England. Fair Game, a group dedicated to better governance and sustainability in football, conducted a comprehensive review of the clubs, scoring them out of 100 based on financial sustainability, good governance, fan engagement, and equality standards.
And the winner is… Tottenham Hotspur! With a score of 68.2 out of 100 on the Fair Game Index, Spurs took the top spot, leaving Manchester United in second place with a score of 65.4. This might come as a surprise to some, considering Manchester United’s tumultuous past, but under the leadership of new owners INEOS, it seems they’ve turned a corner.
So, what does this mean? For one, it’s a huge testament to Tottenham’s commitment to good governance and sustainability. The club’s chair, Daniel Levy, has been at the helm for over 20 years, and it’s clear that his vision for the club extends far beyond just on-pitch success. Levy’s focus on building a world-class stadium and innovative partnerships has enabled sustainable, recurring investment into the club’s football operations, ensuring they remain competitive and challenge for major honors.
But what about the other Premier League clubs that made the top 10? Brentford, Fulham, and Liverpool also feature prominently, showing that even the top tier can learn from the examples set by the lower divisions. This highlights the importance of good governance and sustainability in football, and the need for clubs to prioritize these aspects alongside on-pitch success.
As Fair Game CEO Niall Couper notes, "To deliver real and meaningful change we need to understand the problems. We’ve designed the Fair Game Index to do exactly that and help reshape the game we love." It’s clear that this initiative is more than just a ranking – it’s a call to action for clubs to prioritize their fans, their communities, and the long-term sustainability of the game.
So, what’s next? As we continue to follow the Fair Game Index and its implications for the football world, we urge you to join us on this journey. Follow us on all social media platforms for more updates, analysis, and opinions on the world of football. Let’s work together to reshape the game we love!