Tottenham Hotspur Supporters’ Trust News
June 2015
Updates on:
- THST Board Meetings – 1 and 16 June
- THST/ THFC Stadium build update – 24 June
- 2015 End of Season survey
- London Football Club Fans Conference, New Scotland Yard – 11 June
- Twickenham Tour – 18 June
Other:
- Away Fans Fund initiative
- UEL pricing discussions
- Rail seating demonstration – w/c 13 July
- New River Leisure Centre launch – date postponed
- Supporters Direct Summit – 18/19 July
- FSF Podcast – 2 June
June 2015
Updates on:
- THST Board Meetings – 1 and 16 June
- THST/ THFC Stadium build update – 24 June
- 2015 End of Season survey
- London Football Club Fans Conference, New Scotland Yard – 11 June
- Twickenham Tour – 18 June
Other:
- Away Fans Fund initiative
- UEL pricing discussions
- Rail seating demonstration – w/c 13 July
- New River Leisure Centre launch – date postponed
- Supporters Direct Summit – 18/19 July
- FSF Podcast – 2 June
1. THST BOARD MEETINGS – 1 and 16 JUNE
The Q2 THST Board Meeting took place on 16 June. As always, we share full meeting minutes with everyone. Tuesday 16 June meeting minutes can be read here.
This followed on from a meeting of the THST Board held on 1 June, which looked specifically at new stadium timetables and ground share options for season 2017/18. In particular, we reviewed the results of the fans ground share survey (many thanks to all who contributed). This confirmed our stance of strongly preferring a London location for our season away from N17. Shortly after this, we published the survey report on our website and we continue to tell the Club of supporters’ feelings on this crucial issue.
2. THST/ THFC STADIUM BUILD UPDATE MEETING – 24 JUNE
Following on from the Police and Safety Forum last month, Martin Cloake, Katrina Law, Kevin Fitzgerald and consultant Bernie Kingsley attended a follow up meeting to discuss the recent permanent closure of Paxton Road and the impact on North/ East stand patrons – as well as an update on the building work in progress at White Hart Lane this summer. A report from this session can be read here.
3. 2015 END OF SEASON SURVEY
The annual End of Season Survey was issued to THST members on 24 June. Thanks to everyone who has already responded. This is a cornerstone of assuring we reflect supporters’ views when we talk to THFC.
Those of you who are yet to complete, please ensure you do so by Friday 3 July at 12pm. The password and link are as per our special mailing from last week.
This will then be released to the wider Spurs supporting fan base on the afternoon of Friday 3 July before closing on Friday 17 July.
4. LONDON FOOTBALL CLUB FANS CONFERENCE – 11 JUNE
Martin Cloake and Kevin Fitzgerald attended a meeting at New Scotland Yard called by the Met’s Head of Public Order in conjunction with the Football Supporters Federation. In attendance were reprensentatives from London clubs, London-based reps of clubs including Liverpool, Leeds, Everton and Manchester City, the FSF and a football lawyer. A fuller report of the meeting can be found here. THST reps felt there was willingness by the police to listen to fan views and take on suggestions, and it’s hoped this positive working relationship can be built on.
5. TOUR OF TWICKENHAM STADIUM – 18 JUNE
Trust member and Twickenham Tour Guide, Philip Newfield, kindly arranged a bespoke visit to Twickenham stadium on Thursday 18 June for both THST and THFC. Martin Cloake and Katrina Law attended for THST, with Head of Supporter Services at Tottenham Hotspur FC, Jonathan Waite and a number of the Club’s tour guides in attendance. THST representatives picked up some food for thought on how matchday crowds are dealt with, and on the options for balancing heritage and identity with modern commercial demands. We’ll draw on these experiences and the contacts made as we continue to discuss plans for THFC’s new stadium with the Club. Thanks again to Philip for setting the tour up.
OTHER
Away Fans Fund Initiative
Since 2013, the Premier League has required all clubs to spend £200K per season to enhance the Away Fans experience. THST continues to discuss with THFC how this money is spent.
Whilst THST would welcome a £1.50/2.00 ticket price reduction per away match, this is not favoured by the Club, hence other avenues are explored annually. The latest initiatives are detailed below.
1. As per last season, coaches will run to every destination outside of London for a maximum of £10 for the coming campaign, with several ‘free’ coaches, too. We’ve asked for these to be communicated well in advance
2. Subsidised trains are also being explored again although lack of available rolling stock and train operator unwillingness made this difficult last season, with the £25 return train to Sheffield for the COC SF being the only subsidised rail travel offered across the 14/15 season
3. Air transport for the end of season Newcastle fixture (after the success of this last April) is being explored
4. Food and drink vouchers (can also be spent at home games) are being considered
None of this season’s £200K will be spent on improving the away section at White Hart Lane. All of it will directly benefit our travelling fans.
We are always looking for bright ideas, so if you have a good one as to how some of the £200K could be spent to benefit travelling Spurs fans, we’d like to hear from you! Drop us a line on info@THSTOfficial.com.
UEL Pricing discussions
THFC consulted with THST around the pricing structure for the UEL group stage matches during w/c 22 June. A proposal was submitted which could benefit fans. Feedback is currently awaited from THFC.
Rail Seating demonstration
THST has arranged for Jon Darch to bring his Safe Standing Roadshow to THFC to demonstrate rail seating to members of the THFC Board and Stadium Project team. This has been scheduled for w/c 13 July.
New River Leisure Centre
The grand opening -- Spurs Legends and Spurs Ladies matches planned for July 26th -- will now take place at a later date. The Trust will keep you informed of the new date and any other news via social media and future newsletters.
Keep a look out for events at our community pub, The Antwerp Arms at www.antwerparms.co.uk
Supporters Direct Summit – 18/19 July
Co-chairs Katrina Law and Martin Cloake will be attending the Football Supporters Federation/Supporters Direct Fan summit in Manchester on 18 and 19 July. Fan reps from clubs all over England and Wales will be there, and the summit provides an opportunity to share experience and build on campaign initiatives. National campaigns around ticket pricing are sure to be high on the agenda, together with discussions about fan representation and supporter governance. A full report will appear in next month’s newsletter.
FSF Podcast – 2 June
Co-chairs Katrina Law and Martin Cloake were invited to be part of the audience for a pilot Football Supporters Federation podcast. Discussions included ticket pricing, the FA Cup and ticket allocations, and anti-discrimination work.
For more exclusive and live updates follow us on our social media sites:
Twitter: @THSTOfficial
Facebook: www.facebook.com/THSTOfficial
LinkedIn: Tottenham Hotspur Supporters’ Trust
The Q2 THST Board Meeting took place on 16 June. As always, we share full meeting minutes with everyone. Tuesday 16 June meeting minutes can be read here.
This followed on from a meeting of the THST Board held on 1 June, which looked specifically at new stadium timetables and ground share options for season 2017/18. In particular, we reviewed the results of the fans ground share survey (many thanks to all who contributed). This confirmed our stance of strongly preferring a London location for our season away from N17. Shortly after this, we published the survey report on our website and we continue to tell the Club of supporters’ feelings on this crucial issue.
2. THST/ THFC STADIUM BUILD UPDATE MEETING – 24 JUNE
Following on from the Police and Safety Forum last month, Martin Cloake, Katrina Law, Kevin Fitzgerald and consultant Bernie Kingsley attended a follow up meeting to discuss the recent permanent closure of Paxton Road and the impact on North/ East stand patrons – as well as an update on the building work in progress at White Hart Lane this summer. A report from this session can be read here.
3. 2015 END OF SEASON SURVEY
The annual End of Season Survey was issued to THST members on 24 June. Thanks to everyone who has already responded. This is a cornerstone of assuring we reflect supporters’ views when we talk to THFC.
Those of you who are yet to complete, please ensure you do so by Friday 3 July at 12pm. The password and link are as per our special mailing from last week.
This will then be released to the wider Spurs supporting fan base on the afternoon of Friday 3 July before closing on Friday 17 July.
4. LONDON FOOTBALL CLUB FANS CONFERENCE – 11 JUNE
Martin Cloake and Kevin Fitzgerald attended a meeting at New Scotland Yard called by the Met’s Head of Public Order in conjunction with the Football Supporters Federation. In attendance were reprensentatives from London clubs, London-based reps of clubs including Liverpool, Leeds, Everton and Manchester City, the FSF and a football lawyer. A fuller report of the meeting can be found here. THST reps felt there was willingness by the police to listen to fan views and take on suggestions, and it’s hoped this positive working relationship can be built on.
5. TOUR OF TWICKENHAM STADIUM – 18 JUNE
Trust member and Twickenham Tour Guide, Philip Newfield, kindly arranged a bespoke visit to Twickenham stadium on Thursday 18 June for both THST and THFC. Martin Cloake and Katrina Law attended for THST, with Head of Supporter Services at Tottenham Hotspur FC, Jonathan Waite and a number of the Club’s tour guides in attendance. THST representatives picked up some food for thought on how matchday crowds are dealt with, and on the options for balancing heritage and identity with modern commercial demands. We’ll draw on these experiences and the contacts made as we continue to discuss plans for THFC’s new stadium with the Club. Thanks again to Philip for setting the tour up.
OTHER
Away Fans Fund Initiative
Since 2013, the Premier League has required all clubs to spend £200K per season to enhance the Away Fans experience. THST continues to discuss with THFC how this money is spent.
Whilst THST would welcome a £1.50/2.00 ticket price reduction per away match, this is not favoured by the Club, hence other avenues are explored annually. The latest initiatives are detailed below.
1. As per last season, coaches will run to every destination outside of London for a maximum of £10 for the coming campaign, with several ‘free’ coaches, too. We’ve asked for these to be communicated well in advance
2. Subsidised trains are also being explored again although lack of available rolling stock and train operator unwillingness made this difficult last season, with the £25 return train to Sheffield for the COC SF being the only subsidised rail travel offered across the 14/15 season
3. Air transport for the end of season Newcastle fixture (after the success of this last April) is being explored
4. Food and drink vouchers (can also be spent at home games) are being considered
None of this season’s £200K will be spent on improving the away section at White Hart Lane. All of it will directly benefit our travelling fans.
We are always looking for bright ideas, so if you have a good one as to how some of the £200K could be spent to benefit travelling Spurs fans, we’d like to hear from you! Drop us a line on info@THSTOfficial.com.
UEL Pricing discussions
THFC consulted with THST around the pricing structure for the UEL group stage matches during w/c 22 June. A proposal was submitted which could benefit fans. Feedback is currently awaited from THFC.
Rail Seating demonstration
THST has arranged for Jon Darch to bring his Safe Standing Roadshow to THFC to demonstrate rail seating to members of the THFC Board and Stadium Project team. This has been scheduled for w/c 13 July.
New River Leisure Centre
The grand opening -- Spurs Legends and Spurs Ladies matches planned for July 26th -- will now take place at a later date. The Trust will keep you informed of the new date and any other news via social media and future newsletters.
Keep a look out for events at our community pub, The Antwerp Arms at www.antwerparms.co.uk
Supporters Direct Summit – 18/19 July
Co-chairs Katrina Law and Martin Cloake will be attending the Football Supporters Federation/Supporters Direct Fan summit in Manchester on 18 and 19 July. Fan reps from clubs all over England and Wales will be there, and the summit provides an opportunity to share experience and build on campaign initiatives. National campaigns around ticket pricing are sure to be high on the agenda, together with discussions about fan representation and supporter governance. A full report will appear in next month’s newsletter.
FSF Podcast – 2 June
Co-chairs Katrina Law and Martin Cloake were invited to be part of the audience for a pilot Football Supporters Federation podcast. Discussions included ticket pricing, the FA Cup and ticket allocations, and anti-discrimination work.
For more exclusive and live updates follow us on our social media sites:
Twitter: @THSTOfficial
Facebook: www.facebook.com/THSTOfficial
LinkedIn: Tottenham Hotspur Supporters’ Trust
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