THFC/THST Board to Board Meeting, 2 May 2017 - Report

Tottenham Hotspur Supporters’ Trust
Tottenham Hotspur Football Club
Board to Board Meeting
 
Minutes and Report
Tuesday 2 May 2017
Tottenham Hotspur Football & Athletic Co Ltd, Lilywhite House, 6pm

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THST Board:
Martin Cloake, Co-chair
Katrina Law, Co-chair
Michael Green
Pete Haine
 
THFC Board:
Daniel Levy, Chairman
Donna Cullen, Executive Director
Sue Tilling, Senior Safety Officer
Ian Murphy, Head of Ticketing & Membership
Jonathan Waite, Head of Supporter Services
 
Apologies:
Paul Head, THST

NB: Season ticket pricing and renewals were announced ahead of this meeting. For comment specifically on Wembley ticketing, please read THST’s statement, issued on 2 May. This was not discussed in this meeting owing to detailed discussions from Friday 28 April to Tuesday 2 May. 
 
1. Outstanding action points from last meeting on 28 February 

• Deferred discussion on how the season ticket waiting list will be handled for the season at Wembley until IM has presented scenarios to the THFC Board. See item 5. 
• Deferred discussion on any amnesty for existing season ticket holders for the season at Wembley until IM has presented scenarios to the THFC Board. See item 5.
• JW to confirm arrangements for away coach pick up point(s) next season once finalised. See item 5.
• DC to oversee Club communications re: appealing for fan input for the time capsule and wider commemoration of White Hart Lane. Time capsule comms being issued on 3/5/17, fans to be asked for emotions and memories. It is planned to be buried at the south end of the ground where the old and new stadia overlap. The capsule will be made by Archway Steel.
• DC to keep THST informed as to the timings around proposals for White Hart Lane station, specifically the public consultation period. See item 3.
• Further discussion on Safe standing deferred to the next meeting of the Board. See item 4.
• Discussion on the ticket exchange from May 2017 onwards deferred until the next meeting of the Boards. See item 5.
• ST to confirm date for next formal meeting of Haringey SAG with MC. It is planned for the 8 June, ST to confirm as it is the date of the general election.

 
2. The Lane – The Finale 

• DC went through the outline plans for the last match at the Lane against Manchester United on 14 May

• Pending rights clearances it is hoped that the  farewell ceremony will be broadcast live
• Invites have gone out to former players and dignitaries
• There will be a 15-20 minute gap to set up staging for the finale after the final whistle, during which time the bars will reopen and various entertainments will be laid on
• The ceremony itself is anticipated to last 30-35 minutes

• DL explained that the keys to the Lane will be handed over the following morning, 15 May, to Mace. The demolition of the Lane will commence that day. Local residents and businesses have been informed of Park Lane and Worcester Road closures. It is expected that demolition will be finished within three months
• DC reported that the walk-up stadium tours, which started on 1 May and finish on 7 May, are proving incredibly popular with 2,000 people turning up on Bank Holiday Monday
• An announcement is expected on 3 May in respect of the sale of seats.
• All other memorabilia is being carefully archived by Club Historian, John Fennelly, and Head of Retail, Victoria Howarth who are involved in the planning for the Tottenham Experience museum

 3. Northumberland Development Project  

• KL asked for an outline of the build schedule for the stadium from here on in. It was obviously on time right now, considering the Wembley deal had been signed, but what should fans look out for over the coming months as signals it’s still on course? DL said that the roof going on at the end of January/ early February 2018 would be a big indicator
• KL asked for comms around the build to continue as fully as possible, considering fans would not be coming to WHL every other week for matches and wouldn’t be seeing the progress for themselves. DC agreed
• DL stressed this was all at the Club’s risk – Mace wouldn’t work to a fixed price contract with this build as there were too many variables and Mace would not be responsible for any overruns. This is a complicated demolition and build

Progress on ancillary projects – WHL station and Haringey Council

• KL asked for an update on the station and wider projects. DL said that TFL plans for the upgrade to White Hart Lane station to be fully completed by late spring 2019, but the station will be operational to take the additional passenger load by August 2018
• Discussions are progressing for the provision of new rolling stock on the line from August 2018
• The upgrade works taking place to Northumberland Park and Tottenham Hale stations will be completed by August 2018, and the addition of a third track will provide additional capacity
• The Club will try to encourage more use of Tottenham Hale as a walking route up to the stadium – THST offered to help with this. The Club will make sure the spectator route is clearly defined from Tottenham Hale station
• KL asked for an update on the proposed renaming of White Hart Lane station. DC confirmed this was currently with the GLA and TFL and THST would be informed of timelines for public consultation
• Specifically relating to Haringey Council’s support for the project, both DL and DC expressed their disappointment at the lack of support the Club had been given to date. DC cited Liverpool Council acting as guarantor for Everton’s proposed new stadium – a no cost, win win situation for both that had not been offered to THFC.
• DL felt that, apart from the NDP and Club related projects, nothing has changed in the area since the 2011 riots. The Club is an important economic contributor to the borough and all should be proud that the 1,000th job has now been created in Haringey by THFC

Contingency plans for any overrun?

• KL asked DL what the contingency plans were for any overrun with the stadium build. It was acknowledged that, as with any build of this size, there is a risk of not completing on time. DL responded that contingency has been considered and there was the option to stay at Wembley for a second season, although it was hoped that wouldn’t be needed
• Premier League rules do not permit a change in home venue during a season but the PL could be approached when fixtures are being arranged for the 2018-2019 season to request the first two games be played away from home. The 2018-19 season will also start slightly later owing to the World Cup, and there will be the international break in early September, as usual, building in more time
• There is also the possibility of contra deals, as Liverpool did this season, although that would depend on the other team agreeing to flip home venues, of course
• UEFA also insist on one home venue for the group stages of any European competition, meaning wherever the first home tie is played will be the home ground for the remainder of the group stage

Stadium financing including NFL contribution and naming rights

• Following our last meeting, the £800m figure quoted for the stadium build had caused much debate. MG asked how this figure had been arrived at and whether this was the cost of purely the stadium or of the wider project?  DL explained that, in a build of this nature, costs change on a regular basis. Costs of raw materials (steel and concrete) have risen as a result of Brexit (currency exchange rate), and the build times mean that some 3,000 staff will soon be working on site 24/7. The costs had risen in the past 4 years but they certainly hadn’t doubled, as some had reported
• The quoted figure of £800m includes the stadium, hotel foundations, the Tottenham experience and residential groundworks, among others. It wasn’t possible to put an exact figure on the cost of the stadium only
• DL questioned whether that figure should also include bank set up fees and professional fees, stressing to separate out one figure for the stadium alone wasn’t possible. All crossed over.
•  MC asked whether therefore it was best to talk of the project cost rather than the stadium cost going forward, and it was agreed this would be clearer
• MG asked DL to clarify the costs specifically relating to the NFL. DL said there was a lot of joint use so it wasn’t easy to put a figure on that. DL said the cost of the pitch, changing rooms and additional media facilities were NFL related but, outside of that, all facilities were shared
• DL confirmed that the NFL has made a ‘small capital contribution’ and there will be a 10 year rental scheme
• It was DL’s feeling that the NFL was needed to help regenerate the area
• DL also expected the value of naming rights to be higher as a result of interest from the American market
• KL asked for an update on naming rights. DL said this was still some way off
• MC asked about the reputation the NFL has of being very protective of its brand, and whether this had any bearing on the stadium naming rights deal. DL confirmed they’d have to hand over a clean stadium ahead of each NFL game, as they do with UEFA, but that the stadium naming rights deal was not affected by NFL involvement
• The suggested renaming of White Hart Lane station is not tied to the naming rights for the new stadium
• MG asked for a funding update. DL confirmed that a funding announcement was imminent
• DL shared that the financing through the banks had been achieved at a very good LIBOR rate, with no mezzanine finance
• DC referenced the questions THST had submitted to the Club around the financing of the project. She had found this useful as an indication of the kind of communication the Club would share on this subject, within the boundaries of commercial sensitivity. If the Trust was asking these questions, other fans would too
• MG asked specifically how the funding would impact on ticket prices. How reliant was the Club on ticket income at this stage? The banks would definitely be looking at it. DL said that things can change. The final cost of the project is not known yet
• DL said there were lots of different modelling options for ticket pricing at present and he felt it was important to recognise that it was a key revenue stream and a fundamental part of the financing of the new stadium
• MG asked specifically about the impact of the stadium build on transfer dealings. Are these completely independent of any pressures on the stadium? DL stated that the stadium issues had no bearing on transfer dealings. But success on the field was obviously important, as always
• MG asked if he’d be tempted to cash in on a player. DL said no player would be sold who they didn’t want to sell for non-footballing reasons
• MC asked whether there was more pressure on the wages side with the increased success of the team. DL said that all players were under contracts, contracts they were happy to sign at the time. They would be expected to honour those contracts. They wouldn’t have had a reduction if things had gone badly

 
4. New stadium update 

• KL asked for an update on Premium sales at the new stadium. DL confirmed they were selling well and all on forecast. A further pick up was expected after the Wembley announcement when the new stadium would feel more tangible
• KL asked for clarification from IM on the reports away ticket priority had been offered as a benefit of premium packages. IM and JW assured that every time this is flagged with them, they tell the sales staff to ensure that interpretation is not given. As now, a percentage of away tickets (9%) go to corporate members and this is the same offer. Although there are plans to increase this pro rata up to c 13% (see the notes from the ticketing meeting last November)
• KL asked to have a conversation about this later down the line
• KL asked about the timeline for the pricing structure and migration plan for season ticket holders. IM is working on a comms plan, with a view to consulting with THST late summer/early autumn 2017. IM explained that the focus has to be on Wembley at the moment

Safe standing

• KL asked for an update on where the Club was in terms of communication with the Premier League around Safe Standing. KL recapped the discussions at the recent fan rep meeting with Richard Scudamore, where the PL had changed the terminology to ‘Permitted Standing’ and were embarking on several research projects over the coming months. The EFL were evidently pushing ahead far faster than the PL
• There was also a concern that the SGSA was looking to clamp down on standing in seated areas
• DL and DC said the Club was preparing a presentation for discussion with the  PL
• MC commented that Liverpool fan groups were close to making a decision on whether to back the principle of safe standing, and that this would have a bearing on the national conversation
• DL was keen for the stadium to be future proofed
• IM explained that planning had taken into account the provision of a permitted standing area at the front of the South stand
• IM explained that some operational issues had to be addressed (such as fan migration) and a robust methodology needed to be worked through before the Club went back to the PL
• DC committed to share those plans with THST as soon as they were ready for input

 
 5. Wembley 2017-18 

• The Club issued comms around phases 1 and 2 of the season ticket renewal process just before the meeting was scheduled to start. This can be read here.  Emails to ST holders regarding renewals will be sent out from Monday 8 May
• KL asked IM for clarification on outstanding areas of Wembley ticketing. This followed an intense period of dialogue outside of this meeting, where all points had already been raised, debated and discussed:
  • Individual match day pricing – IM provided confirmation that there will be tickets available for members to purchase on a game by game basis with prices likely to be announced around the time the Premier League fixtures are released in mid June. KL stressed the significance of these prices to the season ticket model and that these should have been agreed in advance, in her opinion
  • IM and DC confirmed that the handling of the Bronze waiting list was still being discussed and the Club would be communicating with supporters by the end of the month
  • New offers of season tickets are expected to commence at the end of May, once renewals are completed
  • The option of a one year pass at Wembley was being finalised. The pricing, offer and volume available was yet to be agreed
  • The composition of the Platinum package was yet to be agreed. IM to confirm the way the 2 away cup vouchers have been handled previously
  • KL stated that the first 2 home cup ties had to be priced at £25 or less considering that was the value placed on the cup credits detached from the season ticket package. IM noted
  • Visiting club allocations will be in line with competition rules. (15% FA Cup, 10% League Cup, 5% UEFA. 3,000 Premier League.) Wembley are planning segregation and will provide exact numbers. Any season ticket allocated in an area where away fans will be allocated for cup games will be advised at point of purchase
  • Non match day ticket collection will continue to be from the current ticket office on the corner of Park Lane/High Road (the old Corner Pin), match day collections will be at Wembley
  • KL asked for clarification on the ticketing agreement with Brent Council. DC confirmed there would be 2000 tickets on average per game across the season for local schools/community  groups as part of their obligation to the borough.
  • KL asked about the resale platform. IM confirmed it was down to 2 options: in house or StubHub. There was a need to announce this before the season ticket renewal window closes. IM did say 25% of season ticket holders had used StubHub this season on one occasion or more. MC countered that they needed a resale facility. So that wasn’t surprising. THST reiterated its wish to move the operation in house at FV.  IM and DC to fast track decision with DL to make those timings
  • An amnesty for season ticket holders had not been granted for Wembley despite THST consistently putting the case for the past 12 months after the Club changed their position. To mitigate this, KL asked for midweek games to be flagged as problematic with the Premier League on the special requests form, along with Boxing Day. KL will flag with broadcasters that Friday and Monday nights will be difficult
  • ST confirmed that THFC is still paired with Arsenal FC from a policing point of view. There are no other pairings while at Wembley
• PH raised a question on disabled seating at Wembley. JW explained how to access that information – via access@tottenhamhotspur.com - and confirmed all Level 1 wheelchair facilities would be operational. Level 5 had not been opened up yet. There would be a lot of wheelchair spaces and ambulant seats compared to WHL

• A deal had been done on parking for Wembley whereby no disabled supporter should pay any more for parking than they would do for parking at WHL. There are 13 free disabled parking spaces at the Lane and the Club is exploring ways to provide the same at Wembley

• The Disabled Supporters Association was reported as being satisfied with arrangements thus far. As an aside, the DSA has an EGM scheduled for the end of May in the UTC to appoint a new chairman and secretary of the group
• Regarding wider transport next season, the pick-up point for the away coaches is still being confirmed. South Mimms and Alexandra Palace are still possibilities. There are difficulties finding somewhere willing to let coaches pick up and drop off that also has room for up to 40 cars. KL suggested one of the Enfield hotels or similar. JW thought there may be a few options. This is work in progress
• KL offered thanks for providing the subsidised trains this season and asked for a commitment that would continue next season. JW and DC said they would look to do so

• Regarding catering at Wembley, all food and beverage outlets will be managed by Delaware North (Wembley’s caterers), with the Club receiving none of the proceeds of sale
• KL asked JW to chase Levy Restaurants (no relation) to meet with Rachel Martin of THST as there had been no contact since the commitment to regular dialogue in February. This is focused on the new stadium as Levy Restaurants have no role in catering at Wembley. MC reminded the meeting this regular dialogue was something DL had expressed a wish to see happen

• The pub split for Wembley was currently being discussed with the Police. This may vary from match to match depending on opposition
• Atmosphere initiatives were discussed and most thought the mosaic used at the semi-final looked impressive from the opposite end of the stadium. It was clarified that bags had been used instead of card to encourage recycling – ‘put your programme inside and take it away with you’
• It was also acknowledged that the surfing flag had again experienced difficulties turning corners during the semi-final build up. Event 360 had run both THFC’s and CFC’s flags on the day and neither had been particularly successful surfs
• MC asked about static flags and where fans could display banners. JW explained the difficulties at Wembley when the Level 5 balcony is EE branded and the Levels 1 and 2 balconies are LED ribbons. MC advised the Club to continue working direct with grass roots groups to help with atmosphere
• MC asked about gaining a place on the Brent SAG for THST. ST had attended Brent Council SAG last week, and is looking to encourage them to model frequency and THST inclusion on what Haringey have been doing. Haringey Council SAG’s will continue to work closely with THFC during season away, also
• ST confirmed that THFC’s dedicated football officer, Noel Deady, will be coming with the Club to Wembley
• MC stressed the point about proper fan input on Haringey’s SAG. He had attended one formal meeting over the last year. Again, THST asked about the SAG role in rescheduled games for TV. ST confirmed they never got involved in this. There were no special meetings before broadcast games. The police were pretty flexible and understanding, too
• PH asked about the Club’s commitment to local businesses during the season away. DC said there was nothing specific in place via an S106 or similar but that most THFC employees and the 3,000 site workers will still be around during the season away, using local facilities

 
 6. AOB 

• KL said there was a clear need for the Club to engage with supporters across more channels. The demand was there for social engagement, not solely transmission. Would the Club consider a dedicated customer service/ ticketing social media account?  JW confirmed this was being explored but there were issues with resource and with the suitability of Twitter, for example, with its character limits. There could be a move to push more through iSpurs. A new app and website are being developed, too

• KL explained briefly the work undertaken by THST on fixtures moved for broadcast. DC confirmed that the Club has no say in the timings of games rearranged for TV.  Both Sky and BT Sport are aware of the impact on fans
• KL asked about the Nike kit deal. When would this be formally announced? DL confirmed that a new kit deal would be announced after the Under Armour contract has ended and it could not be confirmed who with at this stage
• PH thanked the Club for the signed shirt donated to the Antwerp Arms on its second birthday of becoming a community pub, and for the help in raising over £1000 for local charities
• MC thanked the Club for allowing the bucket collection for LOFT at the Bournemouth match and for the signed shirt, which was auctioned off this week. Both were very much appreciated by Leyton Orient fans

 
ACTION POINTS 

• THST to assist THFC with comms encouraging the use of Tottenham Hale from August 2018 and promoting the walking route up to the stadium – DC/ KL/ MC
• DC to inform KL/ MC when station renaming reaches public consultation stage
• Discussion around premium seat holders access to away tickets – IM/KL/MC
• IM to consult with THST around GA pricing and migration into the new stadium by early Autumn 2017
• DC to arrange for presentation of Club’s plans around Safe Standing once ready
• IM to communicate all outstanding decisions around Wembley ticketing within relevant time frames
• IM to confirm resale platform for next season as soon as agreed
• IM to confirm the composition of the Platinum package with KL asap
• JW/DC to flag the difficulties with midweek matches and Boxing Day with the PL ahead of fixture scheduling for next season
• KL to speak with Sky Sports re: Friday night and Monday night broadcast slots
• JW to confirm pick up points for official away coaches next season
• JW to chase Levy Restaurants to arrange regular meetings with RM of THST
• ST to follow up with MC regarding place on Brent Council’s SAG
• ST to confirm date of next Haringey SAG meeting with MC
• JW to follow up with KL/ MC re: dedicated Club customer service/ ticketing social media channel

 
Meeting closed at 8.35pm
Next meeting to be scheduled for early September, after the close of the transfer window.