
It’s been another busy fortnight for THST, with some positive results for our members. We have updates on the following: The Y Word, West Ham Capital One Cup ticket prices, Pyrotechnics New Board member, Members database, Special General Meeting, The atmosphere at White Hart Lane
Discussions remain on-going following our meeting with THFC and the Met Police on 21/10/13. Full notes can be read in this update. We’ll publish further advice as it becomes available and will offer assistance to fans where needed. THST continues to liaise with local Police forces ahead of every away game, to ascertain their stance regarding the Y Word.
Other updates include:
- We remain in contact with the fan arrested at the home game v West Ham and our solicitors are handling the case. The Crown Prosecution Services’ decision as to whether any charges are to be brought is due on 18/11/13.
- We were due to meet with the Football Supporters' Federation and Bailey Nicholson Grayson solicitors on 01/11/13. However, this meeting was unfortunately cancelled and a new date is to be confirmed to discuss criminal and civil action in relation to use of the Y Word.
- Several THFC members experienced difficulties in receiving or completing the THFC / Populus consultation on the Y Word. We notified THFC of any problems bought to our attention and asked for links to be resent, if necessary. The @THSTOfficial twitter account saw some particularly heavy traffic on this subject.
2. West Ham ticket prices
The Capital One Cup game versus West Ham would normally be a Category A game. We urged THFC to reduce the pricing in line with this season’s previous Capital One Cup and Europa League matches.
THFC explained that, for cup games, the pricing needs to be agreed by both teams. The clubs reached a compromise, and the pricing for this game was confirmed as Category C on 01/11/13.
3. Pyrotechnics
Following the smoke bomb at Villa Park on 20/10/13, we’ve reiterated our strong stance against the use of pyrotechnics at football matches.
During discussions with THFC and the Met Police, it was felt the demographic likely to be attracted to pyrotechnics would listen more to fan groups they respected as opposed to authority figures. So THST initiated a messaging campaign across podcasts, blog and websites with influence in this age group.
THST was contacted by the 47-year-old fan arrested following the incident at Villa Park. We’ve arranged legal representation for him through our solicitor.
We cannot comment further at this stage, due to legal restrictions.
4. New Board member
Having sought permission from Supporters Direct, it was agreed to co-opt a new Treasurer - Adam Bailey - on 23/10/13.
You can read the full story here, and see Adam's bio here.
5. Members database
We met with our volunteer database and web builder, Alan Landeryou, on 23rd October to discuss functionality and development needed in order for THST to accept paying members in one integrated process. At present, associate membership (free) is open and individuals can chose to sign up to full membership via PayPal, but a simple, paid option should be available before the Special General Meeting, provisionally scheduled for 15th December. Voting and standing at an election are open to paid members only.
6. Special General Meeting
THST is required to hold a Special General Meeting in order to elect at least one additional board member. This is a complex procedure and the need to respect due diligence and process is crucial.
We hope to hold the SGM on 15/12/13 in Tottenham, prior to the Liverpool game.
Sufficient time needs to be allowed for candidates to prepare and submit manifestos, which need to be circulated to all members with voting rights a minimum of 14 days before the SGM.
THST will confirm whether a truncated process is possible, or whether the SGM will need to be postponed until January, to allow sufficient time for all parties.
THST needs volunteers for the independent Election Management Group - these can’t be full members of the Trust or employed/ affiliated to THFC in any way. If you’re interested in helping with the election process, please contact Katrina.law@THSTOfficial.com.
7. The atmosphere at White Hart Lane
Following Andre's comments on the atmosphere at WHL after the Hull City match on 27/10/13, THST received many press calls asking for our response. THST iinterviews can be found in The Independent and The Telegraph, linked here.
With regards to atmosphere, a THST representative already sits on the committee of the independent atmosphere group, and work is underway on numerous subtle and low-key projects geared towards encouraging a positive atmosphere at WHL
These include visuals in the form of banners and surfer flags. We’re still pushing for donations for WHL’s first balcony banner
– the Bill Nicholson quote “It is better to fail aiming high than succeed aiming low”. This should be manufactured within the next month.
We’ve also been discussing introducing a surfing flag in the Park Lane lower pre-games. Haringey Council and the Safety Advisory Board have asked THST to provide all information - including size, fabric swatches, fire certificates etc. for a final decision to be made on 05/11/13.
We measured-up the Park Lane ahead of the Hull game on 27/10/13. We also submitted initial crowd-sourced designs for art directing the following week, with full details to be submitted to the Safety Officer at THFC by 04/11/13.
THST also negotiated the entrance of two large wavers into Block J for the Hull match on behalf of members of the 1882 movement, and a banner for Block 35 at the Sheriff match on 07/11/13.
Press and Media around the atmosphere debate
The Independent
The Telegraph.
TalkSport
CNN
Press and Media around Pyrotechnics
Jewish Chronicle
Evening Standard
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