Tottenham Hotspur fans will love what Stuart Lewis has had to say after his departure from Hotspur Way was confirmed.The 38-year-old began his career in the Spurs academy, but he never got to represent the Lilywhites’ senior team, spending the entirety of his career in the lower leagues.He returned as an academy coach to Tottenham back in 2015 and has held various roles at Hotspur Way since then, most recently serving as the academy transition coach, tasked with providing a pipeline for young talent into the first-team.Spurs confirmed on Monday that Lewis has left the club in favour of a coaching role at newly promoted Ipswich Town.Photo by James Fearn/Getty ImagesStuart Lewis reflects on his 11 years working as a coach at TottenhamThe Standard have now confirmed that the 38-year-old will join as a first-team assistant coach at Ipswich under newly appointed head coach Gary O’Neil.Lewis has penned an emotional farewell message on exiting the North London club, admitting that it was a dream to work at the club he grew up supporting as a boy.He wrote (via Tottenham): “Returning to my boyhood club as a coach 11 years ago was a dream come true,” he began.“Having supported Tottenham Hotspur since I was five years old and previously represented the Club as a young professional, it was a privilege to come back and help develop the next generation of players.“My family and I have supported the Club all our lives, so I have always understood what it means to represent Tottenham Hotspur and the identity our teams should embody; brave, attacking, front-foot football.“I have made so many special memories during my time at the Club, building relationships that will stay with me for the rest of my life. Winning the Under 17 and Under 18 Premier League Cups in the 2022/23 season, followed by another Under 17 Premier League Cup success in April, 2025, were fantastic collective achievements for everyone involved.“While those trophies were incredibly special, I always knew that the primary objective was to develop players capable of progressing to the first team. I have no doubt it won’t be long before more Academy graduates are gracing our brilliant stadium.“I would like to thank everyone at the Club for their support and for allowing me to pursue this fantastic opportunity at Ipswich Town, which enables me to fulfil my ambition of coaching in the Premier League. I leave with immense pride, gratitude and lifelong memories, and I wish everyone connected with Tottenham Hotspur every success in the future.”Spurs need a qualified coach to take Lewis’ placeLewis is credited with helping the likes of Luca Williams-Barnett and Jun’ai Byfield make their debuts last season, while also playing a part in helping Mikey Moore, Will Lankshear, and Callum Olusesi also break into the first-team.With the 38-year-old now gone, Spurs need to quickly find a qualified replacement to ensure that there is a clear pathway from the academy to the first team and some talented youngsters do not end up slipping through the cracks.Tottenham have lost Tynan Thompson to Man United already this summer, and the club need to ensure that the likes of Williams-Barnett are not also tempted to seek a move in search of senior football.READ MORE: Predicted Tottenham XI vs MK Dons as Mateus Fernandes makes his Spurs debutThe post ‘Brave, attacking, front-foot football’ – Stuart Lewis pens emotional Tottenham goodbye appeared first on Spurs Web.