Vinai Venkatesham has identified reconnecting Tottenham Hotspur with its supporters as a central part of his work at the club, with the chief executive acknowledging that years of tension have damaged the relationship.
The issue was discussed at the latest Fan Advisory Board meeting, held at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on September 22, as the club continues to respond to frustration over the team's performances and the direction of the organisation.
The newly-published minutes from the meeting said: "Vinai Venkatesham acknowledged that the relationship between the club and its supporters had been strained for some time, and reaffirmed the club’s commitment to strengthening that connection and rebuilding belief."
That approach has included a greater emphasis on Tottenham's history and the people who helped shape it. The Hall of Fame has been launched following a proposal from the Fan Advisory Board, while Bobby Buckle, Chris Hughton, Ledley King and Jenna Schillaci were among those recognised at an event.
The club has also brought former players back into the current environment. Dimitar Berbatov and Edgar Davids have visited the training ground, while the Legends Lunch is intended to create further links between different generations connected to Spurs.
"Venkatesham said that he wanted former players and the club's history to have a more visible and regular role around the club," the meeting minutes stated.
Tottenham's poor start under Roberto De Zerbi has made the task more difficult. Venkatesham has also backed the head coach while acknowledging the frustration around results.
The club spent heavily during the summer but remains bottom of the Premier League after five matches, increasing the pressure on a new-look squad and its leadership.
Venkatesham has also pointed to progress away from the men's first team, particularly the women's side. Tottenham Women sit second in the Women's Super League after four matches following significant investment during the summer.
"The club had invested significantly in the women’s team during the transfer window, with all signings completed before the start of pre-season in a well-executed window," the minutes said.
The club says work is now being carried out on the women's existing facilities, including changing space, a gym and briefing room, because the current building has been outgrown. The longer-term plan for a base at Whitewebbs remains subject to an ongoing legal process.
A new Director of Women's Football is also being appointed, with the role intended to have a stronger performance and technical focus.
For Venkatesham, however, the wider challenge is not simply improving results. Tottenham's latest supporter meeting shows that rebuilding confidence and making the club's history and community more visible are now part of the broader attempt to close the gap between the organisation and its fans.