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THST News - June 2017

30/6/2017

 
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Updates on: 
StubHub stopped
Wembley ticketing – Phase 3
Fixture scheduling and rescheduling for broadcast
Away fans at Newcastle United
Metropolitan Police End of Season review – 15 June
Football to Amsterdam 2017
Business & Community Liaison Group Meeting – 6 June
THST Board Meeting – 12 June
THST End of Season Survey


Other: 
  • Haringey Safety Advisory Group meeting – 29 June
  • Supporters Summit 2017 – 1 and 2 July
  • Swindon Spurs AGM – 10 June
  • Catering meeting – 29 June
  • Mace stadium build update
  • Supporters Direct representative on the FA Council
  • ‘The Lane’
  • Remembering Richard Charles Malyon 
  
Media: 
  • Fighting Cock podcast – 26 June
 
Avid readers of THST News will recall the problems we experienced last month with our website domain provider, 123reg. We are very pleased to report that, after moving providers, the issue has now been resolved and we’d like to thank 24host for their excellent customer service throughout this transition. 
 
1. StubHub Stopped 
Over the past 4 years, THST had consistently lobbied for an end to the Club’s partnership with secondary ticketing platform, StubHub. We were, therefore, delighted with the news that the resale facility will be taken back in-house from the 2017-18 season. We shared our thoughts in a comment piece posted on 19 June. 
 
For us, it was essential that resale was a service, not an additional revenue generator and we very much welcome the return of a face value exchange that serves the fans without the incentivised price inflation seen on the StubHub model.
 
Much detail has still to be confirmed in terms of how the new ticket exchange will operate and we are pushing the Club for input into those discussions. We will, of course, let people know the mechanics of the platform as soon as that information becomes available.
 
With thanks to the original members of the Stop StubHub Coalition who, alongside the Trust, all contributed to the end of this partnership  - The Fighting Cock team, Alan Fisher of Tottenham on My Mind, Total Tottenham, Dear Mr Levy website, Tottenham Blog, Ohh When the Spurs podcast, Mel Gomes of the Substantive website and the Spurstalk website.
 
2. Wembley ticketing – Phase 3 
Following the completion of Phases 1 and 2 of the season ticket migration process for Wembley next season, THST fed into discussions around Phase 3: offering new season tickets to those at the top of the Bronze member waiting list. This is a complex process and we tried to simplify and provide as much information as was possible in our comment piece of 7 June. We also shared our thoughts on the decisions taken by the Club and clarified the positions we’d advocated.
 
Since then we’ve had no further opportunity to feed into the process. The sales process has continued to be rolled out in stages and we have received a large number of questions relating to that. We’ve answered where we can, and passed people on to the Club where necessary. We would have preferred it if fans were given a more complete picture of the ticketing offer before being asked to make decisions about spending large amounts of money within tight time frames.
 
We appreciate this is one of the busiest periods the ticket office and customer services department have had to deal with, and we also appreciate that fans want answers to their many queries as quickly and clearly as possible. We’ve repeatedly asked the Club to provide more resource to the hard-working teams in ticketing and customer service, and we still believe this is necessary.
 
The move to Wembley, and subsequently to a new stadium, has not come out of the blue. That’s why we began asking for detailed discussions and input over 18 months ago.
 
We will continue to push the Club to confirm all outstanding ticketing queries as soon as is possible, including essential match day pricing, differentiating between 18,500 new season ticket holders all on the same loyalty points, mechanics of the new resale platform and the timings and process for issuing new stadium access cards. We also believe the season ticket proposition needs clarifying. ​
 
3. Fixture scheduling and rescheduling for broadcast 
The release of the Premier League fixtures on 14 June provided the FSF working group comprising Chelsea Supporters’ Trust, Spirit of Shankly and THST with an opportunity to measure the impact of our kick off times campaign so far as we analysed the midweek and festive rounds of the 2017-18 fixture list. The group has recently met with the Premier League and with the two major broadcasters, Sky and BT Sport, to highlight the impact of anti-social kick off times on match-going fans.
 
With the first set of broadcast picks due for release on 10 July, our focus was on the original fixture list and it is clear that little, if any, effort has been made to avoid difficult mid-week clashes which see the likes of Burnley fans travelling to Bournemouth on a Tuesday night.
 
The unprecedented spell of 10 games in 5 weeks from late November to the start of January, at a time of year where fans are the most stretched financially, also causes great concern. This tranche of fixtures will see fans of 10 clubs travelling in excess of 1500 miles to support their teams, with fans of Newcastle United travelling an extra thousand on top.
 
We completely appreciate the complexities around compiling the fixture list, and that each team must play each other twice, but would like far more consideration for the fans who are travelling to these matches when the schedule is being comprised. This is a point we will continue to press to all stakeholders.
 
The working group commented for the FSF website and released their 5 year analysis in this article. We were pleased to be backed in our calls for more input into scheduling decisions by 19 fan organisations.
 
We await confirmation of the August and September broadcast picks and will continue to look to take whatever course of action is deemed necessary to advance legitimate supporter concerns.
 
4. Away fans at Newcastle United 
Last summer, the Premier League shareholders approved a rule to relocate at least one block of visiting supporters to pitch-side at every Premier League ground. This was an acknowledgement of the vital role away fans play in creating the unique atmosphere of Premier League matches, and in the spectacle so lucratively marketed around the world. This was also approved in an attempt to stop Clubs such as Newcastle placing visiting fans in increasingly high top tiers.
 
Each Club was given a year to make the necessary changes, including relocating existing season ticket holders and ensuring any new away area could be safely segregated.
 
It became clear last week that Newcastle United has refused to make those changes and the Premier League has allowed them an extension of another year to address this issue.
 
This means that Spurs fans will be the first of 19 sets of visiting supporters to travel to the North East to watch dots move around a green splodge from the heights of Level 7 at St James’ Park.
 
We shared our thoughts on the subject here.
 
5. Metropolitan Police End of Season review – 15 June 
THST reps Martin Buhagiar and Kevin Fitzgerald attended the Met’s Central Football Unit end of season review, held at the force’s Lambeth HQ on 15 June.
 
Supporters from most football clubs in the capital were also present. Inspector Matt Ashmead outlined the force’s plans to improve the safeguarding of children at football matches. He said there were a number of issues with parents being drunk at football matches and being unable to look after their children.
Insp Ashmead also outlined plans to crackdown on teenagers and young adults using Class A drugs at football matches.
The British Transport Police (BTP) said football-related arrests on trains were down.
An area the Met and BTP were looking into further was the use of pyrotechnics at football stadiums and on trains. There had been an increase in the number of flares taken into stadiums with some even lighting them on trains. There followed a general discussion about how supporters groups, clubs and the police could raise awareness about the dangers of using flares in confined spaces, inside stadiums and also throwing them at other supporters.
The Met highlighted plans to break up its Central Football Unit Twitter account, giving each London Club its own Twitter account. Supporter groups unanimously agreed this was a good idea – particularly with Spurs fans heading to Wembley several times a month.
The account would highlight travel and traffic problems, and give advice in the event of road closures etc.
 
6. Football to Amsterdam 2017 
For the second year running, the Trust helped coordinate the team of Cycle on You Spurs riders heading from the Olympic velodrome to the Ajax Arena for Prostate Cancer UK.
 
On Friday 9 June, 23 riders, all sporting Spurs home shirts courtesy of the Club, completed a circuit of the Olympic Velopark and rolled out en route to Harwich. At around 4pm on Saturday, they crossed the finish line at the Ajax Arena, Amsterdam.
 
To date, the team has raised just under £26,000 for Prostate Cancer UK. With around two weeks of fundraising left, you still have the opportunity to donate by clicking here.
 
Our fundraising for the 2016 and 2017 rides has totalled over £47,500. A massive thanks to all who’ve donated thus far.
 
Last year, 14 Cycle on You Spurs cyclists rode to Amsterdam. This year, the team comprised 23 riders. Can we better that next year? Registration will start in three weeks’ time for next year’s ride between 1-3 June 2018. Now is a good time to start thinking and planning for it. Please contact Kevin Fitzgerald at the Trust with any questions or advice.

7. Business & Community Liaison Group Meeting – 6 June 
Trust Secretary, Pete Haine, represented THST at the recent Business and Community Liaison Group meeting earlier this month. In a lively session, John Bevan, Labour Councillor for Haringey, raised the subject of the London Living Wage. THST reiterated our position of support for all permanent THFC staff being paid the London Living Wage.
 
THFC’s Head of Supporter Services, Jonathan Waite, confirmed the Club’s support for the Bobby Buckle blue pack application, with the Trust having already expressed support. THST agreed to help publicise a short questionnaire from the applicants. Anyone wishing to express backing for the plaque should click here.
 
The early closure of Park Lane was noted, from 12 June for six weeks. The East Stand was in the process of being demolished, before moving onto the Park Lane Stand. Demolition was reported as being 2 to 3 weeks ahead of schedule.
 
The date for the next meeting was scheduled for 4 July 2017.
 
 8. THST Board Meeting – 12 June 
The Q2 meeting of the THST Board took place on Monday 12 June in our new home at Cannon Street. With thanks again to Gary Green of Nabarro (now CMS) for continuing to host our formal meetings.
 
In a very productive working meeting, Board members reported back on recent projects and planned for the coming months. Subjects discussed included a further upgrade to our IT system, member recruitment initiatives including exploring Facebook advertising, nominating a Charity for 2017-18 alongside Prostate Cancer, scheduling and coordinating three members’ meetings over the course of next season and a wider discussion around the future development of the Trust.
 
The Q3 meeting is scheduled for Monday 4 September.
 
9. THST End of Season Survey  
Each summer, THST canvasses the opinions of Trust members and the wider fan base on matters of importance to Spurs fans in the form of our End of Season Survey. This year, it is critical as many fans as possible share their thoughts on plans for Wembley and the new stadium, amongst others. The survey is now live. Please click here to start.
 
This will take roughly 20 minutes to complete so please make sure you’re sitting comfortably and please stick with it. It’s important your thoughts are captured at this crucial time in the history of our Club.
 
Kindly share the link with a fellow Spurs fan once completed.
  
Other: 
  • Haringey Safety Advisory Group meeting – 29 June
Haringey’s Safety Advisory Group was due to hold its annual wash-up meeting as we went to press. THST rep, Martin Cloake, will be at the meeting to hear the year reviewed, to raise issues around supporter input and to discuss working with existing colleagues and those at Brent SAG next season. We’ll report back in the July newsletter.

  • Supporters Summit 2017 – 1 and 2 July 
This coming weekend sees the annual Supporters Direct and Football Supporters Federation’s Fans Summit, held this year at St. George’s Park, Burton on Trent. THST co-chairs Martin Cloake and Kat Law will be present throughout the event along with Secretary, Pete Haine.
 
More information can be found on both the SD and FSF websites.
 
We’ll share a brief round-up of key topics covered in our July newsletter. 

  • Swindon Spurs AGM – 10 June
THST co-chairs Martin Cloake and Kat Law represented the Trust at Swindon Spurs’ Annual General Meeting on 10 June, delivering a talk and taking questions from the floor. It was an extremely well attended event, which included an auction, raffle and buffet lunch alongside the formal business of the AGM. Swindon Spurs club officers had also decorated the room with Spurs bunting, balloons and flags, which certainly set the mood for the meeting!
 
Thanks again to all at Swindon Spurs for making us so welcome and giving us the opportunity to hear your thoughts on a myriad of Spurs issues, with ticketing once again being the hottest topic in town.

  •  Catering meeting – 29 June 
As agreed in our meetings with the Board of THFC, THST will be maintaining a regular dialogue with Levy Restaurants as they finalise the catering offer for General Admission fans in our new stadium. 
 
The first of what we are assured will be frequent meetings is scheduled for 29 June. We'll be looking to feed in (we couldn’t resist!) to the selection of food and beverages available along with other practical points such as speed at point of service – something fans regularly ask us to do. 
 
We’ve included questions on what you'd like from the catering offer in the new stadium in our annual survey. We'd encourage you to take the time to share your thoughts by clicking here.
 
Next season, catering will be run by Delaware North, Wembley's caterers. THFC and Levy Restaurants play no part in the food and beverage offering at the national stadium and take no cut of the catering revenue either. So, your £15 bag of pick and mix is entirely out of Tottenham’s and Levy Restaurants’ control, unfortunately.
 
We’ll continue to liaise closely with fans, and encourage Levy Restaurants to do likewise, over plans for the matchday experience in our new stadium over the coming months.
 
Anyone wishing to share their thoughts outside of our survey, please email Rachel Martin at the Trust.

  • Mace stadium build update
Stadium constructors, Mace, have provided another useful update on the progress of the new stadium build and this can be read by downloading the PDF at the end of this newsletter.

  • ​Supporters Direct representative on the FA Council
Our co-chair, Kat Law, has been selected by Supporters Direct to be the second fan rep on the FA Council. This appointment doubles the number of fan reps on the currently 122-strong council, and was made after a number of candidates had been interviewed.
 
The FA Council meets to ratify proposals made by English football's governing body. The Council is made up of representatives from the Premier League, the Football League and the county FAs, along with others. Malcolm Clarke, the chair of the Football Supporters Federation, has been the sole fan rep for some years, and Kat will work alongside him to amplify the voice of fans on the Council.
 
Supporter representation was increased after pressure from the government for the FA to reform, and this appointment comes at the start of that process of reform. 
 
Kat will be working with Malcolm to ensure the perspective of all football fans is considered by the game's governing body. The role is unpaid, and so adds to the voluntary work Kat does as co-chair of THST. 

  •  ‘The Lane’ 
Last month we congratulated THST co-chair, Martin Cloake, after his book, ‘The Lane’, was named Best Illustrated Book of the Year at the prestigious Cross Sports Book of the Year Awards. ‘The Lane’, the official Club history of White Hart Lane, co-authored with Adam Powley and Doug Cheeseman, was also shortlisted for overall Sports Book of the Year. This was an online public vote and we encouraged Spurs fans to lend their support in our May newsletter.
 
By means of an update, ‘The Lane’ finished a highly respectable second in the overall vote behind Oliver Kay’s ‘Forever Young’, with the results announced on 14 June. Thanks to those who voted!

  • Remembering Richard Charles Malyon 
 We were sad to hear of the death of Richard Malyon, who was vice-president and then secretary of the old Spurs Supporters Club. The SSC, based in Warmington House, organised travel and events for Spurs fans for many years, and Richard devoted considerable hours to keeping it going.
 
The Trust sent an official letter of condolence to the funeral and is in contact with Richard’s family.
 
 
Media
 

Fixtures and kick off times:
Football.london – PL Fixtures
Guardian – PL Fixtures
Football Supporters’ Federation – PL Fixtures (carried by BBC online)
Yahoo.com – article by Martin Cloake on PL Fixtures
 
General:
 The Fighting Cock podcast with Martin Cloake and Kat Law 
 
 A reminder…
  
iSpurs information portal
The Club has also set up a new, dedicated information portal online which answers many of the questions we are frequently contacted with. We’d urge fans to read and familiarise themselves with the details available on the portal as we continue to receive a high volume of questions asking for this information.
 
THST Board
30 June 2017

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Mace Stadium update - June 2017​
thfc_stadium_newsletter_june_17.pdf
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File Type: pdf
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