Daniel Levy has spoken publicly for the first time about Tottenham since he was ousted as chairman.
Levy said he had never anticipated a relegation fight this season when he left Spurs in September after more than 23 years in charge.
'I’m feeling the pain but I’m optimistic we will get through it,' 64-year-old Levy told Sky after collecting his CBE at an investiture at Windsor Castle.
'It’s been very, very difficult but Spurs is in my blood and I’m hopeful we will be OK in the end.
'I could never have envisaged this at the beginning of the season.
'Obviously, I’m incredibly disappointed but let’s look forward and hope next year we’re in the Premier League.
'I’m always optimistic and I pray every day we will.'
Spurs are two points clear of the relegation zone with 38 points, which is the same number they achieved in the Premier League last season.
Then, it was comfortably enough to avoid the drop but this year, with just two games remaining they are still duelling for survival with West Ham, who are next to play, at Newcastle on Sunday.
Two days later, Spurs travel across London to face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, where they have won only once in the last 40 visits.
'Always tough,' smiled Levy. 'Never a good place for us but hopefully this year it’s going to be different.'
Levy, who oversaw the building of the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, was forced out of Spurs during a shake up by the ruling Lewis family.
Peter Charrington replaced him as non-executive chairman and the day-to-day running of the club was handed over to chief executive Vinai Venkatesham.
Levy had appointed Venkatesham in April 2025 and, in a joint interview last summer, spoke of his ambition to win the Premier League and the Champions League.
Less than a year on and they are fighting to avoid relegation for the first time since 1977.