 | Updates on: Manager departure Director of Football worldwide ban Season Ticket Renewals Fan engagement and Fan Advisory Board THFC finances TV fixtures, kick off times and travel Stadium atmosphere Cycling to Spurs Quiz night Get involved Media Log |
Spurs fans will be reeling at the chaotic events that have dominated the last week or so. Many have expressed their anger at the way the Club is being run and have joined our call for clarity of purpose and a statement of strategy from the Board. We have expressed our disappointment at the loss of yet another manager, the situation with the Director of Football and continued uncertainty about our top striker and where the Club will finish.
We believe the the Club needs to communicate with fans with a new sense of transparency and explain what their approach is for the rest of the season and for future seasons. This will lead , not only to greater understanding by fans, but a renewed sense of unity which will help us all pull together and support the drive for Champions League qualification.
Manager departure
THST is concerned to note the departure of another Spurs manager this evening. No supporters want to see their manager leave during the season as it usually means something has gone wrong. Ultimate responsibility rests with the board of the Club.
Despite the difficulties faced this season, THST would like to place on record its thanks to Antonio for his hard work during his 18 months in charge, particularly last season and during that tremendous run-in. We also acknowledge the personal challenges Antonio has faced this season and wish him well as he continues to recover from his operation.
This departure will come as no surprise to Spurs fans. We are aware many supporters had grown tired of the football associated with Conte, while others felt he was the right man to take the club forward and will be saddened to see him depart.
The Club's board must now have a clear strategy for what and who comes next, and it needs to tell this Club's supporters what that plan is. THST has repeatedly called for this, and fans deserve it.
Less than two years ago, at the end of the 2020/21 season in May, Chairman Daniel Levy told supporters the Club would focus on the recruitment of a Head Coach saying they were 'acutely aware of the need to select someone whose values reflect those of our great Club and a return to playing football with the style for which we are known'.
Many supporters will feel the appointments of Nuno Espirito Santo and then Antonio Conte following Jose Mourinho's spell do not reflect the promises made above.
In the same statement, Mr Levy said: "I feel we lost sight of some key priorities and what's truly in our DNA."
As another season without silverware comes to an end, we would urge the Club Board to reassess those priorities before appointing a manager the entire fanbase will get behind, and building a team that can truly challenge for domestic and European honours, respecting the traditions of our football club.
We, and all Spurs supporters, will now get behind Cristian Stellini, Ryan Mason and the coaching team, in pushing the team towards securing another top four finish.
Director of Football worldwide ban
Following the announcement by FIFA that Fabio Parataci is now banned from carrying out activities within football worldwide the Trust also commented:
‘This news adds further to the extremely concerning situation at the Club. No manager, no director of football and uncertainty around our star player and our end of season finish. Fans deserve to hear a clear statement of strategy from THFC so they can be reassured by the Board on their plan to bring success and stability to the Club.’
Season Tickets
We remain in ongoing discussions with the Club regarding Season Ticket renewals and will be having further discussions before the position is finalised.
Fan engagement and Fan Advisory Board
On 22 March the Premier League published its Fan Engagement Standard and, along with all other Premier League clubs, Tottenham Hotspur published its Fan Engagement Statement. The Trust welcomed the publication of the Premier League standard and the commitment by THFC to establish a Fan Advisory Board.
We agree with the Football Supporters’ Association that the PL Fan Engagement Standard is a “step in the right direction”. It sets minimum standards which all Premier League clubs are required to comply with.
The PL standard should be seen in conjunction with the plans in the Government’s White Paper (reported in last month’s newsletter) which provides that requirements on fan engagement will be included as part of the club licensing system.
We are in ongoing discussions with THFC seeking to establish a Fan Advisory Board at the Club which improves on the standard set by the Premier League. Its remit will include the Club’s strategic vision and objectives; off-pitch performance updates, priorities and plans; operational matchday issues; proposals relating to significant changes to Club heritage assets; stadium issues and plans; the Club’s community strategy; equality, diversity and inclusion commitments and plans for broader supporter engagement.
Those discussions are nearing an end and once they are concluded we will be consulting with our members on the proposed arrangements, which include the proposal for two Trust representatives to sit on the Fan Advisory Board. We will share more details and arrange an online consultation meeting for our full members as well as giving members the chance to send us their views by email
.
It’s important to note that the Fan Advisory Board will complement existing fan engagement arrangements and the Trust will continue to be the independent organisation representing the interests of fans directly with the Club.
THFC finances
As with last year, we have completed a thorough analysis of the financial statements of Tottenham Hotspur Limited for the 2021-22 season. Although they are set out to follow specific accounting standards, we have reviewed them in detail, checked back with the Club, and are able to suggest answers to some of the most commonly asked questions by fans. Full detail is on the website here:
The key conclusions we have drawn are:
You can read the full analysis by clicking here: Tottenham Hotspur financial analysis
TV fixtures, kick off times and travel
We’ve been pleased to see the Premier League releasing their fixture changes on time in recent months. However, these announcements often come with caveats attached – for example, when a given fixture may be subject to change because of clubs’ involvement in cup or European competitions, or as a knock-off effect of another fixture potentially being moved. Tottenham’s away match at Newcastle is one such example.
In late February, the Premier League scheduled this fixture for a Sunday 14:00 kick-off, but with the caveat that it may be moved if Manchester United are playing in the Europa League on the preceding Thursday. We had to wait until 24 March – less than a month before the match is due to be played – before we finally received confirmation that it would remain in the Sunday 14:00 slot. And that’s despite the fact that we had known for some time that Manchester United will indeed be playing in Europe on 20 April. Supporters wishing to make advance travel plans to take advantage of cheaper train fares had been unable to do so because of the lack of update.
This is not the first time this season that the scheduling of a match between Tottenham and Newcastle has caused headaches for supporters. As we reported previously, the reverse fixture was moved twice. The second move was announced at very late notice and for reasons that could easily have been avoided.
Another match where possible rescheduling has been discussed is our home match against Crystal Palace, which is due to take place on the same day as the King’s Coronation. We’ve been advised that this match will remain at 15:00 on 6 May.
THST’s Koonal Shah has been contributing to the FSA’s Broadcast Committee, together with representatives from the supporters’ trusts of Brentford, Leicester, West Ham and Wolves. Among the Committee’s priorities are pushing to eliminate unnecessary double changes in the future, and calling for more sensible consideration around the selection of TV fixtures that involve clubs playing in European competition.
Stadium atmosphere
We all know the atmosphere is going to be vital as we support the push for end of season European qualification so we were delighted that our Co-Chair, Rachel Martin, and Board Member, Simon Sullivan, were part of a discussion at Lilywhite House with representatives of the Club as well as Spurs Reach, Proud Lilywhites, Spurs Song Sheet and Return of the Shelf, to discuss how we ensure the best possible environment at the stadium.
It’s very positive that the Club has prioritised this issue, that they got everyone together to discuss it and that we are all working together to identify ways of improving the atmosphere on home match days. We shared our views and ideas on the various reasons for the current situation including, obviously, on-pitch performance, style of play, and results. This is the beginning of a larger project and we look forward to working with the other supporter groups, as well as the Club going forward to develop the next steps. Watch this space for updates.
Cycling to Spurs…On Your Bike
Several of our members have been in touch regarding the lack of suitable, safe cycle parking provision in and around the stadium.
From our members' experience it seems the demand from cyclists is increasing this season, with both sites often full well before kick-off. Worryingly, we have also been informed that after the Frankfurt game some cyclists returning to their bikes at the Community Sports Centre racks found that, due to mindless acts of vandalism, their helmet straps had been cut through. This information has been relayed to the Club but so far there has been no response.
When the stadium was opened back in April 2019, THFC stated that it was their aim that there would be suitable cycling provision for 1% of the total stadium capacity. This amounts to approximately 620 cycle parking spaces. On the Club website they say that they ‘encourage spectators to cycle to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium’, with ‘ample cycle parking’ around the stadium at the Tottenham Community Sports Centre and St Francis De Sales School, with capacity for 220 bicycles across the two sites. There is also a link to a Cycle Parking Map here.
Back in February, after admitting that they were ‘shocked’ by the increase in cyclists, the Club told us that there were ongoing discussions with St Francis De Sales School to see if they would be happy to increase the bike racks on their site. Despite repeated emails politely asking for updates on this matter none have been forthcoming.
There was also the suggestion that the Club would look at putting additional racks at the Goods Yard on White Hart Lane. Although, at the time this was felt to be perhaps in the wrong location, the feeling is now that, if it means additional, safe cycle parking, then this option is definitely worth pursuing.
As we are all aware cycling to the ground is a cheaper, greener alternative to public transport and car journeys. For a Club that is justifiably proud of its green credentials it should be a remit of THFC to ensure this relatively low 1% figure is challenged, and that subsequent increased provision makes cycling a viable, attractive alternative with people incentivised to make their match day journey by bike. It would make perfect sense to look at any means of alleviating match-day congestion in the immediate vicinity of the stadium. Surely a world leading stadium needs world leading cycle parking provision! We would be interested in hearing from members who cycle to matches on their experiences, and also from anyone who doesn’t as to why they don’t and what, if anything, would make you consider cycling to the stadium. Please email us at info@THSTOfficial.com.
Quiz night
Fantastic news that our annual charity Quiz night at the Antwerp Arms on Thursday 20 April has now sold out. Sorry to those who weren’t able to get a place - we are operating a wait list and, whilst we can’t guarantee spaces will open up, please email us at info@THSTOfficial.com to be added. The event will be raising much needed funds for local mental health charity Studio306.
We are still accepting Spurs-related items as donations for the raffle, so if any members have anything that they would like to donate please email: info@THSTOfficial.com.
Looking forward to seeing you there, and don’t forget to do your homework...
Get involved
This month on the Forum we’ve been discussing fixture scheduling, atmosphere initiatives at the Stadium, catering and provision for bicycles at the stadium.
The THST Forum is open to full and life members of the Trust. Full and life members should apply via the link on our website and set up an account. We should emphasise Trust membership alone doesn’t give you automatic access to the forum, you need to register via the link. Don’t forget – full members can start threads of their own so have a think about which off-field issues you would like to discuss - there is plenty to start a conversation about after the last week or so at the Club!
To join the Trust, please register here. Whilst everyone who works with the Trust is a volunteer, we do have some costs and would encourage people to upgrade from free Associate Membership to Full membership if you can - please click here.
Media log
Tottenham supporters’ trust believes club’s ‘lack of leadership’ is ‘a real concern’
Tottenham Hotspur Supporters' Trust releases statement on Levy, unkept promises and Conte exit
Spurs fans: ‘We deserve better’
Tottenham Hotspur Supporters' Trust releases statement on Levy, unkept promises and Conte exit
Tottenham Supporters Trust send clear message to the club after Conte sacking
Tottenham Supporters' Trust laments 'extremely concerncing situation'
Tottenham supporters’ trust believes club’s ‘lack of leadership’ is ‘a real concern’
THST Board
1 April 2023
We believe the the Club needs to communicate with fans with a new sense of transparency and explain what their approach is for the rest of the season and for future seasons. This will lead , not only to greater understanding by fans, but a renewed sense of unity which will help us all pull together and support the drive for Champions League qualification.
Manager departure
THST is concerned to note the departure of another Spurs manager this evening. No supporters want to see their manager leave during the season as it usually means something has gone wrong. Ultimate responsibility rests with the board of the Club.
Despite the difficulties faced this season, THST would like to place on record its thanks to Antonio for his hard work during his 18 months in charge, particularly last season and during that tremendous run-in. We also acknowledge the personal challenges Antonio has faced this season and wish him well as he continues to recover from his operation.
This departure will come as no surprise to Spurs fans. We are aware many supporters had grown tired of the football associated with Conte, while others felt he was the right man to take the club forward and will be saddened to see him depart.
The Club's board must now have a clear strategy for what and who comes next, and it needs to tell this Club's supporters what that plan is. THST has repeatedly called for this, and fans deserve it.
Less than two years ago, at the end of the 2020/21 season in May, Chairman Daniel Levy told supporters the Club would focus on the recruitment of a Head Coach saying they were 'acutely aware of the need to select someone whose values reflect those of our great Club and a return to playing football with the style for which we are known'.
Many supporters will feel the appointments of Nuno Espirito Santo and then Antonio Conte following Jose Mourinho's spell do not reflect the promises made above.
In the same statement, Mr Levy said: "I feel we lost sight of some key priorities and what's truly in our DNA."
As another season without silverware comes to an end, we would urge the Club Board to reassess those priorities before appointing a manager the entire fanbase will get behind, and building a team that can truly challenge for domestic and European honours, respecting the traditions of our football club.
We, and all Spurs supporters, will now get behind Cristian Stellini, Ryan Mason and the coaching team, in pushing the team towards securing another top four finish.
Director of Football worldwide ban
Following the announcement by FIFA that Fabio Parataci is now banned from carrying out activities within football worldwide the Trust also commented:
‘This news adds further to the extremely concerning situation at the Club. No manager, no director of football and uncertainty around our star player and our end of season finish. Fans deserve to hear a clear statement of strategy from THFC so they can be reassured by the Board on their plan to bring success and stability to the Club.’
Season Tickets
We remain in ongoing discussions with the Club regarding Season Ticket renewals and will be having further discussions before the position is finalised.
Fan engagement and Fan Advisory Board
On 22 March the Premier League published its Fan Engagement Standard and, along with all other Premier League clubs, Tottenham Hotspur published its Fan Engagement Statement. The Trust welcomed the publication of the Premier League standard and the commitment by THFC to establish a Fan Advisory Board.
We agree with the Football Supporters’ Association that the PL Fan Engagement Standard is a “step in the right direction”. It sets minimum standards which all Premier League clubs are required to comply with.
The PL standard should be seen in conjunction with the plans in the Government’s White Paper (reported in last month’s newsletter) which provides that requirements on fan engagement will be included as part of the club licensing system.
We are in ongoing discussions with THFC seeking to establish a Fan Advisory Board at the Club which improves on the standard set by the Premier League. Its remit will include the Club’s strategic vision and objectives; off-pitch performance updates, priorities and plans; operational matchday issues; proposals relating to significant changes to Club heritage assets; stadium issues and plans; the Club’s community strategy; equality, diversity and inclusion commitments and plans for broader supporter engagement.
Those discussions are nearing an end and once they are concluded we will be consulting with our members on the proposed arrangements, which include the proposal for two Trust representatives to sit on the Fan Advisory Board. We will share more details and arrange an online consultation meeting for our full members as well as giving members the chance to send us their views by email
.
It’s important to note that the Fan Advisory Board will complement existing fan engagement arrangements and the Trust will continue to be the independent organisation representing the interests of fans directly with the Club.
THFC finances
As with last year, we have completed a thorough analysis of the financial statements of Tottenham Hotspur Limited for the 2021-22 season. Although they are set out to follow specific accounting standards, we have reviewed them in detail, checked back with the Club, and are able to suggest answers to some of the most commonly asked questions by fans. Full detail is on the website here:
The key conclusions we have drawn are:
- the Club’s financial position is generally sound but is based on the structure of its debt for which repayment is not required for some years;
- qualification for the Champions League makes a material difference to the Club’s financial performance. Dropping down to the Europa League or the Conference League creates a significant hole in the revenues at a time when the Club is essentially spending what it earns;
- construction of the new stadium has turbo-charged the Club’s income generation, at least directly through the increased football capacity and the proliferation of non-football activity, but probably also indirectly through increased appeal to commercial sponsors;
- it’s stating the obvious, but if you spend what you earn, you need to earn more to spend more. We can expect increasing efforts to generate new revenue streams such as the recently announced arrangements with F1 and the drag racing track under the stadium;
- one new revenue stream would be stadium naming rights which would make a material contribution;
- contrary to popular opinion, the Club’s net transfer spend has increased significantly since 2019, even if not at the level of petrostate funded competitors.
You can read the full analysis by clicking here: Tottenham Hotspur financial analysis
TV fixtures, kick off times and travel
We’ve been pleased to see the Premier League releasing their fixture changes on time in recent months. However, these announcements often come with caveats attached – for example, when a given fixture may be subject to change because of clubs’ involvement in cup or European competitions, or as a knock-off effect of another fixture potentially being moved. Tottenham’s away match at Newcastle is one such example.
In late February, the Premier League scheduled this fixture for a Sunday 14:00 kick-off, but with the caveat that it may be moved if Manchester United are playing in the Europa League on the preceding Thursday. We had to wait until 24 March – less than a month before the match is due to be played – before we finally received confirmation that it would remain in the Sunday 14:00 slot. And that’s despite the fact that we had known for some time that Manchester United will indeed be playing in Europe on 20 April. Supporters wishing to make advance travel plans to take advantage of cheaper train fares had been unable to do so because of the lack of update.
This is not the first time this season that the scheduling of a match between Tottenham and Newcastle has caused headaches for supporters. As we reported previously, the reverse fixture was moved twice. The second move was announced at very late notice and for reasons that could easily have been avoided.
Another match where possible rescheduling has been discussed is our home match against Crystal Palace, which is due to take place on the same day as the King’s Coronation. We’ve been advised that this match will remain at 15:00 on 6 May.
THST’s Koonal Shah has been contributing to the FSA’s Broadcast Committee, together with representatives from the supporters’ trusts of Brentford, Leicester, West Ham and Wolves. Among the Committee’s priorities are pushing to eliminate unnecessary double changes in the future, and calling for more sensible consideration around the selection of TV fixtures that involve clubs playing in European competition.
Stadium atmosphere
We all know the atmosphere is going to be vital as we support the push for end of season European qualification so we were delighted that our Co-Chair, Rachel Martin, and Board Member, Simon Sullivan, were part of a discussion at Lilywhite House with representatives of the Club as well as Spurs Reach, Proud Lilywhites, Spurs Song Sheet and Return of the Shelf, to discuss how we ensure the best possible environment at the stadium.
It’s very positive that the Club has prioritised this issue, that they got everyone together to discuss it and that we are all working together to identify ways of improving the atmosphere on home match days. We shared our views and ideas on the various reasons for the current situation including, obviously, on-pitch performance, style of play, and results. This is the beginning of a larger project and we look forward to working with the other supporter groups, as well as the Club going forward to develop the next steps. Watch this space for updates.
Cycling to Spurs…On Your Bike
Several of our members have been in touch regarding the lack of suitable, safe cycle parking provision in and around the stadium.
From our members' experience it seems the demand from cyclists is increasing this season, with both sites often full well before kick-off. Worryingly, we have also been informed that after the Frankfurt game some cyclists returning to their bikes at the Community Sports Centre racks found that, due to mindless acts of vandalism, their helmet straps had been cut through. This information has been relayed to the Club but so far there has been no response.
When the stadium was opened back in April 2019, THFC stated that it was their aim that there would be suitable cycling provision for 1% of the total stadium capacity. This amounts to approximately 620 cycle parking spaces. On the Club website they say that they ‘encourage spectators to cycle to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium’, with ‘ample cycle parking’ around the stadium at the Tottenham Community Sports Centre and St Francis De Sales School, with capacity for 220 bicycles across the two sites. There is also a link to a Cycle Parking Map here.
Back in February, after admitting that they were ‘shocked’ by the increase in cyclists, the Club told us that there were ongoing discussions with St Francis De Sales School to see if they would be happy to increase the bike racks on their site. Despite repeated emails politely asking for updates on this matter none have been forthcoming.
There was also the suggestion that the Club would look at putting additional racks at the Goods Yard on White Hart Lane. Although, at the time this was felt to be perhaps in the wrong location, the feeling is now that, if it means additional, safe cycle parking, then this option is definitely worth pursuing.
As we are all aware cycling to the ground is a cheaper, greener alternative to public transport and car journeys. For a Club that is justifiably proud of its green credentials it should be a remit of THFC to ensure this relatively low 1% figure is challenged, and that subsequent increased provision makes cycling a viable, attractive alternative with people incentivised to make their match day journey by bike. It would make perfect sense to look at any means of alleviating match-day congestion in the immediate vicinity of the stadium. Surely a world leading stadium needs world leading cycle parking provision! We would be interested in hearing from members who cycle to matches on their experiences, and also from anyone who doesn’t as to why they don’t and what, if anything, would make you consider cycling to the stadium. Please email us at info@THSTOfficial.com.
Quiz night
Fantastic news that our annual charity Quiz night at the Antwerp Arms on Thursday 20 April has now sold out. Sorry to those who weren’t able to get a place - we are operating a wait list and, whilst we can’t guarantee spaces will open up, please email us at info@THSTOfficial.com to be added. The event will be raising much needed funds for local mental health charity Studio306.
We are still accepting Spurs-related items as donations for the raffle, so if any members have anything that they would like to donate please email: info@THSTOfficial.com.
Looking forward to seeing you there, and don’t forget to do your homework...
Get involved
This month on the Forum we’ve been discussing fixture scheduling, atmosphere initiatives at the Stadium, catering and provision for bicycles at the stadium.
The THST Forum is open to full and life members of the Trust. Full and life members should apply via the link on our website and set up an account. We should emphasise Trust membership alone doesn’t give you automatic access to the forum, you need to register via the link. Don’t forget – full members can start threads of their own so have a think about which off-field issues you would like to discuss - there is plenty to start a conversation about after the last week or so at the Club!
To join the Trust, please register here. Whilst everyone who works with the Trust is a volunteer, we do have some costs and would encourage people to upgrade from free Associate Membership to Full membership if you can - please click here.
Media log
Tottenham supporters’ trust believes club’s ‘lack of leadership’ is ‘a real concern’
Tottenham Hotspur Supporters' Trust releases statement on Levy, unkept promises and Conte exit
Spurs fans: ‘We deserve better’
Tottenham Hotspur Supporters' Trust releases statement on Levy, unkept promises and Conte exit
Tottenham Supporters Trust send clear message to the club after Conte sacking
Tottenham Supporters' Trust laments 'extremely concerncing situation'
Tottenham supporters’ trust believes club’s ‘lack of leadership’ is ‘a real concern’
THST Board
1 April 2023
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