Tottenham Hotspur Supporters’ Trust News
September 2015
Updates on:
September 2015
Updates on:
- Olympic Stadium coalition campaign update
- Football Supporters’ Federation price protest – 4 October
- London Ground for a London Club campaign update
- Refugees: football weekend of action – 12/13 September
- THST/THFC Board to Board meeting – 29 September
- Living Wage session at Parliament – 18 September
- Antwerp Arms executive committee update
- Tottenham transport update
Other:
Media:
1. Olympic Stadium coalition campaign update
We were contacted a few months ago by Trusts at Charlton Athletic and Leyton Orient in connection with campaigning for details of the deal between the London Legacy Development Corporation and West Ham United to be released.
We believed the terms of the contract raised serious questions about fair competition between clubs, and over the level of taxpayer support going to a private business, so we joined a growing coalition of Supporter Trusts in calling for detail to be released.
That campaign now has the support of 14 Trusts across the country, plus a number of MPs, GLA members and other organisations. Over 25,000 people have signed a petition calling for a public inquiry, and in the last few weeks the Information Commissioner’s Office has ruled that the details of the deal must be made public. London Mayor Boris Johnson has also dropped his opposition to the deal being made public.
The campaign is one of the largest and most successful ever mounted by the supporters’ movement in this country.
On 1 October we were informed that the LLDC intend to appeal against the request to publish full information. A public body using a public resource to block a decision that is clearly in the public interest to implement raises questions about whose interests the LLDC is acting in.
We’ve emphasised at all times that this is not a tribal, anti-West Ham campaign. It is about fairness of competition and transparency in public finances.
The campaign goals are:
THST supports the FSF’s Twenty’s Plenty campaign for away fans and the actions being staged over the first weekend in October. We are away at Swansea City on Sunday 4 October and we wanted to do something that made a visual impression during the game. We had planned to ask fans to take banners, but were informed by Swansea that those banners would need to be H&S checked and the slogans submitted for prior approval. We said we weren’t prepared to do that. We then tried to organise a humourous action with banners and inflatables but were told at the last moment that this would cause health and safety problems, and that a proposed joint THST/FSF Twenty is Plenty banner would not be allowed to be on permanent display because it would affect in-ground advertising. We’re extremely disappointed with the resistance we’ve encountered here, and will be reviewing our approach to future protests.
More information can be found here.
3. London Ground for a London Club campaign update
We continue to push for Wembley and THFC to conclude a deal to secure a ground share for our year away from White Hart Lane as part of our London Ground for a London Club campaign.
Senior figures at the FA have said they have no objection in principle to us playing at Wembley, and the Mayor of London has publicly backed the London Ground for a London Club campaign.
We understand negotiations are complex but, with the clock ticking until we must move, we will be seeking a clear explanation from THFC about progress on keeping our club in London.
4. Refugees: football weekend of action – 12/13 September
We received a number of requests from fans in the wake of the international efforts to alleviate the refugee crisis. We recognised there were political issues around the bigger picture but also, in common with the majority of fans who contacted us, that there was a humanitarian crisis unfolding. Some fans had asked about displaying solidarity banners, and we sought and passed on information from the club about how they could do this. We took the view that practical help was the most useful, and published links to where those who wanted to donate or help could do so. And we liaised with the club about measures it was taking to contribute to international humanitarian efforts.
5. THST/THFC Board to Board meeting – 29 September
The Q3 meeting with the THFC Board took place on Tuesday 29 September. As always, we are preparing minutes for release as soon as is possible and will ensure these are sent to members direct via email over the next few days.
6. Living wage session at Parliament – 18 September
The Trust recently reported on an update regarding the living wage (currently £9.50 per hour in London; the national minimum wage being £6.50 for adults, less for those under 21 years) for Spurs employees and outsourced employees.
Earlier in September, Kevin Fitzgerald attended a meeting at the Houses of Parliament, called by Frank Field MP to advance the campaign, supported by the Football Supporters’ Federation (FSF) and attended by a number of fellow Trusts. The main action points arising from the meeting were:
7. Antwerp Arms executive committee update
Our local community owned pub (beautifully situated on the north side of Bruce Castle Park), held its first AGM on Monday evening. The community buy out had been supported by both the club and the Trust, a shareholder.
Around 40 shareholders attended the meeting at Lancasterian School and, along with electing a new management committee, heard the following news:
Check out the pub’s website at antwerparms.co.uk to get info on up-coming events, shareholding etc.
8. Tottenham transport update
We continue to liaise with London Overground and the Club over the unacceptable problems with train services on match days. The Club share our frustration, and it’s been made clear to London Overground that an improvement is expected soon. We all continue to aim for the earliest possible practical solution here.
OTHER
THST Members’ meeting - 14 October
Members should have received an invitation to our next members’ meeting at White Hart Lane on 14 October. It is already booking up fast, so please let us know if you intend on coming. We want a big turnout to get feedback from you on a number of important issues, especially around the ground share and ticket pricing.
Shadowing THFC match day safety team
Over the coming weeks, members of the THST Board will be shadowing THFC's Safety Officer, Sue Tilling, on selected match days to enable us to improve our understanding of the security and stewarding procedure at White Hart Lane. We'll have more details next month and extend our thanks to Sue and her deputy Dean Smith for allowing us this opportunity to learn and observe, first hand, how a match day is run at Spurs.
Norway Spurs AGM
Tottenham’s Venner, the Norway Spurs Supporters Club, kindly invited us to speak at their AGM in London in late September. Co-chairs Kat Law and Martin Cloake, Secretary Suraj Sharma and board member Kevin Fitzgerald all attended on behalf of THST. Tottenham’s Venner is our biggest affiliated supporters club and we spent some time explaining the work of the Trust and getting feedback from those at the AGM. We’re very grateful for the continued support Norway Spurs give us, for the many encouraging remarks they made on the evening, and for their exceptional hospitality. That certainly left its mark!
Ticketmaster booking fees
Problems with fans being overcharged booking fees by Ticketmaster continued to crop up, and we raised this with the Club. We’re told that a coding error had caused this and that this is now resolved. So fans should, in future, be charged only the correct fee. As ever, any fans experiencing problems are advised to contact the Club Ticket Office and also keep us informed.
THST Board Meeting – 2 September 2015
The Q3 THST Board Meeting took place on September 2. A record of the meeting can be found here.
MEDIA
Wembley:
Interesting development in campaign
http://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/sep/09/chelsea-tottenham-fa-wembley
Mayor of London backs groundshare
http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/tottenham-and-chelsea-should-stay-in-london-during-stadium-redevelopment-says-boris-johnson-a2950636.html
Report of possibility of groundshare at Wembley
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/tottenham-hotspur/11859630/Tottenham-open-to-Wembley-ground-share-with-Chelsea.html
Olympic stadium:
Boris Johnson: I have nothing to hide over West Ham Olympic Stadium deal
http://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/sep/16/boris-johnson-happy-west-ham-olympic-stadium
West Ham disappointed with Olympic Stadium deal decision
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/34272622
West Ham and LLDC considering appeal over Olympic Stadium deal - Boris Johnson
http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/west-ham-and-lldc-considering-appeal-over-olympic-stadium-deal-claims-boris-johnson-a2949116.html
West Ham stadium latest: Olympic Stadium move details set to be revealed
http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/west-ham-stadium-latest-olympic-stadium-move-details-set-to-be-revealed-10503206.html
West Ham Olympic Stadium deal 'must be made public'
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-34260708
West Ham could make £17million LOSS ahead of Olympic Stadium move, warns David Sullivan
http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/west-ham-could-make-17million-6455915
Boris Johnson 'perfectly happy' to make details of West Ham's Olympic Stadium move public
http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/boris-johnson-perfectly-happy-make-6454943
David Sullivan: West Ham to lose £17million before moving to Olympic Stadium
next season
http://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/605415/David-Sullivan-West-Ham-17million-Olympic-Stadium
Boris Johnson: West Ham consider legal action to prevent release of Olympic Stadium deal
http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11685/9993570/boris-johnson-west-ham-consider-legal-action-to-prevent-release-of-olympic-stadium-deal
West Ham ordered to release details of Olympic Stadium move
http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11685/9992893/west-ham-ordered-to-release-details-of-olympic-stadium-move
West Ham's Olympic Stadium Deal to Be Revealed
http://www.90min.com/posts/2559662-west-ham-s-olympic-stadium-deal-to-be-revealed
Calls for clarity on financial part of West Ham's Olympic Stadium deal may now be answered
http://www.guardian-series.co.uk/news/13739935.West_Ham_must_reveal_details_over_Olympic_Stadium_deal___Information_commissioner/
West Ham ‘disappointed’ by ruling on details of Olympic Stadium (reference to 'football clubs' seems to be a mis-edit)
http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/sport/football/clubs/westham/article4558750.ece
Secret deal to allow West Ham to use London's Olympic stadium to be made public
http://www.itv.com/news/london/2015-09-15/secret-deal-to-allow-west-ham-to-use-londons-olympic-stadium-to-be-made-public/
Boris Johnson challenged over West Ham Olympic Stadium deal (features Andrew Dismore extensively)
http://www.24dash.com/news/local_government/2015-09-16-Boris-Johnson-challenged-over-West-Ham-Olympic-Stadium-deal
Details of West Ham's move to Olympic Stadium will be revealed
http://www.espnfc.com/west-ham-united/story/2613848/details-of-west-hams-move-to-olympic-stadium-to-be-revealed
London Mayor Johnson ok with West Ham having to disclose Olympic Stadium details
http://www.tribalfootball.com/articles/london-mayor-johnson-ok-with-west-ham-having-to-disclose-olympic-stadium-details-4096240#sthash.RKPGnD2V.dpuf
Mayor quizzed as stadium deal set for release (I thought Tim Payton would like this one)
http://www.morningstaronline.co.uk/a-066e-Mayor-quizzed-as-stadium-deal-detail-set-for-release
Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham fan coalition urge Boris Johnson not to delay full publication of West Ham stadium deal
http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/arsenal-chelsea-and-tottenham-fan-coalition-urge-boris-johnson-not-to-delay-full-publication-of-west-a2948326.html
London Mayor Boris Johnson hits back at 'miserable' critics of West Ham's Olympic Stadium deal
http://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2015/09/16/london-mayor-boris-johnson-hits-back-at-miserable-critics-of/
Boris Johnson called to reveal full details of West Ham stadium deal
https://bdaily.co.uk/business-in-sport/16-09-2015/boris-johnson-called-to-reveal-full-details-of-west-ham-stadium-deal/
West Ham Olympic Stadium dal: LLDC appeals against disclosure ruling
http://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/oct/01/west-ham-olympic-stadium-appeal
FSF Ticket Pricing Protest:
http://www.eurosport.co.uk/football/premier-league/2015-2016/fans-staging-mass-protest-on-ticket-pricing.-but-will-anyone-even-listen_sto4929417/story.shtml
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
- THST Members’ meeting – 14 October 2015
- Shadowing THFC match day Safety Team
- Norway Spurs AGM – 19 September 2015
- Ticketmaster booking fees
- THST Q3 Board Meeting – 2 September 2015
Media:
- Olympic Stadium: The Guardian, BBC. Evening Standard, Mirror, Express, Sky Sports, 90minutes.com, 24dash, Tribal Football, ESPN, Morning Star online, itv.com, The Times, hitc.com, bdaily.com,
- Twenty is Plenty: Eurosport
- London ground for a London club: The Telegraph
- London ground for a London club: Evening Standard
- London ground for a London club: The Guardian
1. Olympic Stadium coalition campaign update
We were contacted a few months ago by Trusts at Charlton Athletic and Leyton Orient in connection with campaigning for details of the deal between the London Legacy Development Corporation and West Ham United to be released.
We believed the terms of the contract raised serious questions about fair competition between clubs, and over the level of taxpayer support going to a private business, so we joined a growing coalition of Supporter Trusts in calling for detail to be released.
That campaign now has the support of 14 Trusts across the country, plus a number of MPs, GLA members and other organisations. Over 25,000 people have signed a petition calling for a public inquiry, and in the last few weeks the Information Commissioner’s Office has ruled that the details of the deal must be made public. London Mayor Boris Johnson has also dropped his opposition to the deal being made public.
The campaign is one of the largest and most successful ever mounted by the supporters’ movement in this country.
On 1 October we were informed that the LLDC intend to appeal against the request to publish full information. A public body using a public resource to block a decision that is clearly in the public interest to implement raises questions about whose interests the LLDC is acting in.
We’ve emphasised at all times that this is not a tribal, anti-West Ham campaign. It is about fairness of competition and transparency in public finances.
The campaign goals are:
- We are seeking the full publication of the commercial terms of the contract agreed between Boris Johnson and the LLDC (London Legacy Development Corporation) and West Ham United FC
- This is about whether information about the financial agreement to use a publicly owned stadium by a privately owned football club should be a matter of public interest
- This is about ensuring public money is used well, and that it is not used as a subsidy to give one football a financial advantage over others
THST supports the FSF’s Twenty’s Plenty campaign for away fans and the actions being staged over the first weekend in October. We are away at Swansea City on Sunday 4 October and we wanted to do something that made a visual impression during the game. We had planned to ask fans to take banners, but were informed by Swansea that those banners would need to be H&S checked and the slogans submitted for prior approval. We said we weren’t prepared to do that. We then tried to organise a humourous action with banners and inflatables but were told at the last moment that this would cause health and safety problems, and that a proposed joint THST/FSF Twenty is Plenty banner would not be allowed to be on permanent display because it would affect in-ground advertising. We’re extremely disappointed with the resistance we’ve encountered here, and will be reviewing our approach to future protests.
More information can be found here.
3. London Ground for a London Club campaign update
We continue to push for Wembley and THFC to conclude a deal to secure a ground share for our year away from White Hart Lane as part of our London Ground for a London Club campaign.
Senior figures at the FA have said they have no objection in principle to us playing at Wembley, and the Mayor of London has publicly backed the London Ground for a London Club campaign.
We understand negotiations are complex but, with the clock ticking until we must move, we will be seeking a clear explanation from THFC about progress on keeping our club in London.
4. Refugees: football weekend of action – 12/13 September
We received a number of requests from fans in the wake of the international efforts to alleviate the refugee crisis. We recognised there were political issues around the bigger picture but also, in common with the majority of fans who contacted us, that there was a humanitarian crisis unfolding. Some fans had asked about displaying solidarity banners, and we sought and passed on information from the club about how they could do this. We took the view that practical help was the most useful, and published links to where those who wanted to donate or help could do so. And we liaised with the club about measures it was taking to contribute to international humanitarian efforts.
5. THST/THFC Board to Board meeting – 29 September
The Q3 meeting with the THFC Board took place on Tuesday 29 September. As always, we are preparing minutes for release as soon as is possible and will ensure these are sent to members direct via email over the next few days.
6. Living wage session at Parliament – 18 September
The Trust recently reported on an update regarding the living wage (currently £9.50 per hour in London; the national minimum wage being £6.50 for adults, less for those under 21 years) for Spurs employees and outsourced employees.
Earlier in September, Kevin Fitzgerald attended a meeting at the Houses of Parliament, called by Frank Field MP to advance the campaign, supported by the Football Supporters’ Federation (FSF) and attended by a number of fellow Trusts. The main action points arising from the meeting were:
- The Premier League has signed up to a voluntary Living Wage agreement, effective from the start of the 2016-17 season. However, this will not cover outsourced workers so one objective is to extend its coverage to all staff
- The FSF is about to conduct an audit of each Premier League club and the Trust will, for its part, continue to seek up to date information from the club
- Frank Field is contacting Tracey Crouch, Minister for Sport, to invite her to the next Premier League Supporters Direct meeting in London on 10 October or the FSF Roadshow at FC United of Manchester on 15 October
- Frank Field will also table a parliamentary question to Tracey Crouch regarding support
7. Antwerp Arms executive committee update
Our local community owned pub (beautifully situated on the north side of Bruce Castle Park), held its first AGM on Monday evening. The community buy out had been supported by both the club and the Trust, a shareholder.
Around 40 shareholders attended the meeting at Lancasterian School and, along with electing a new management committee, heard the following news:
- A new pub manager, Steve, has just been appointed and thrown in at the deep end with four home matches in ten days. His on-site accommodation is being refurbished currently
- The exterior of the pub is soon to be redecorated (in Antwerp blue)
- The kitchen is being renovated with the goal of an innovative food offering around next Spring
- Improvements to the garden will be on going
- The current shares drive will continue to the end of the year, so if you are not already a shareholder but would like to become one (£50 per share) now is your chance
Check out the pub’s website at antwerparms.co.uk to get info on up-coming events, shareholding etc.
8. Tottenham transport update
We continue to liaise with London Overground and the Club over the unacceptable problems with train services on match days. The Club share our frustration, and it’s been made clear to London Overground that an improvement is expected soon. We all continue to aim for the earliest possible practical solution here.
OTHER
THST Members’ meeting - 14 October
Members should have received an invitation to our next members’ meeting at White Hart Lane on 14 October. It is already booking up fast, so please let us know if you intend on coming. We want a big turnout to get feedback from you on a number of important issues, especially around the ground share and ticket pricing.
Shadowing THFC match day safety team
Over the coming weeks, members of the THST Board will be shadowing THFC's Safety Officer, Sue Tilling, on selected match days to enable us to improve our understanding of the security and stewarding procedure at White Hart Lane. We'll have more details next month and extend our thanks to Sue and her deputy Dean Smith for allowing us this opportunity to learn and observe, first hand, how a match day is run at Spurs.
Norway Spurs AGM
Tottenham’s Venner, the Norway Spurs Supporters Club, kindly invited us to speak at their AGM in London in late September. Co-chairs Kat Law and Martin Cloake, Secretary Suraj Sharma and board member Kevin Fitzgerald all attended on behalf of THST. Tottenham’s Venner is our biggest affiliated supporters club and we spent some time explaining the work of the Trust and getting feedback from those at the AGM. We’re very grateful for the continued support Norway Spurs give us, for the many encouraging remarks they made on the evening, and for their exceptional hospitality. That certainly left its mark!
Ticketmaster booking fees
Problems with fans being overcharged booking fees by Ticketmaster continued to crop up, and we raised this with the Club. We’re told that a coding error had caused this and that this is now resolved. So fans should, in future, be charged only the correct fee. As ever, any fans experiencing problems are advised to contact the Club Ticket Office and also keep us informed.
THST Board Meeting – 2 September 2015
The Q3 THST Board Meeting took place on September 2. A record of the meeting can be found here.
MEDIA
Wembley:
Interesting development in campaign
http://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/sep/09/chelsea-tottenham-fa-wembley
Mayor of London backs groundshare
http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/tottenham-and-chelsea-should-stay-in-london-during-stadium-redevelopment-says-boris-johnson-a2950636.html
Report of possibility of groundshare at Wembley
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/tottenham-hotspur/11859630/Tottenham-open-to-Wembley-ground-share-with-Chelsea.html
Olympic stadium:
Boris Johnson: I have nothing to hide over West Ham Olympic Stadium deal
http://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/sep/16/boris-johnson-happy-west-ham-olympic-stadium
West Ham disappointed with Olympic Stadium deal decision
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/34272622
West Ham and LLDC considering appeal over Olympic Stadium deal - Boris Johnson
http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/west-ham-and-lldc-considering-appeal-over-olympic-stadium-deal-claims-boris-johnson-a2949116.html
West Ham stadium latest: Olympic Stadium move details set to be revealed
http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/west-ham-stadium-latest-olympic-stadium-move-details-set-to-be-revealed-10503206.html
West Ham Olympic Stadium deal 'must be made public'
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-34260708
West Ham could make £17million LOSS ahead of Olympic Stadium move, warns David Sullivan
http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/west-ham-could-make-17million-6455915
Boris Johnson 'perfectly happy' to make details of West Ham's Olympic Stadium move public
http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/boris-johnson-perfectly-happy-make-6454943
David Sullivan: West Ham to lose £17million before moving to Olympic Stadium
next season
http://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/605415/David-Sullivan-West-Ham-17million-Olympic-Stadium
Boris Johnson: West Ham consider legal action to prevent release of Olympic Stadium deal
http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11685/9993570/boris-johnson-west-ham-consider-legal-action-to-prevent-release-of-olympic-stadium-deal
West Ham ordered to release details of Olympic Stadium move
http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11685/9992893/west-ham-ordered-to-release-details-of-olympic-stadium-move
West Ham's Olympic Stadium Deal to Be Revealed
http://www.90min.com/posts/2559662-west-ham-s-olympic-stadium-deal-to-be-revealed
Calls for clarity on financial part of West Ham's Olympic Stadium deal may now be answered
http://www.guardian-series.co.uk/news/13739935.West_Ham_must_reveal_details_over_Olympic_Stadium_deal___Information_commissioner/
West Ham ‘disappointed’ by ruling on details of Olympic Stadium (reference to 'football clubs' seems to be a mis-edit)
http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/sport/football/clubs/westham/article4558750.ece
Secret deal to allow West Ham to use London's Olympic stadium to be made public
http://www.itv.com/news/london/2015-09-15/secret-deal-to-allow-west-ham-to-use-londons-olympic-stadium-to-be-made-public/
Boris Johnson challenged over West Ham Olympic Stadium deal (features Andrew Dismore extensively)
http://www.24dash.com/news/local_government/2015-09-16-Boris-Johnson-challenged-over-West-Ham-Olympic-Stadium-deal
Details of West Ham's move to Olympic Stadium will be revealed
http://www.espnfc.com/west-ham-united/story/2613848/details-of-west-hams-move-to-olympic-stadium-to-be-revealed
London Mayor Johnson ok with West Ham having to disclose Olympic Stadium details
http://www.tribalfootball.com/articles/london-mayor-johnson-ok-with-west-ham-having-to-disclose-olympic-stadium-details-4096240#sthash.RKPGnD2V.dpuf
Mayor quizzed as stadium deal set for release (I thought Tim Payton would like this one)
http://www.morningstaronline.co.uk/a-066e-Mayor-quizzed-as-stadium-deal-detail-set-for-release
Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham fan coalition urge Boris Johnson not to delay full publication of West Ham stadium deal
http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/arsenal-chelsea-and-tottenham-fan-coalition-urge-boris-johnson-not-to-delay-full-publication-of-west-a2948326.html
London Mayor Boris Johnson hits back at 'miserable' critics of West Ham's Olympic Stadium deal
http://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2015/09/16/london-mayor-boris-johnson-hits-back-at-miserable-critics-of/
Boris Johnson called to reveal full details of West Ham stadium deal
https://bdaily.co.uk/business-in-sport/16-09-2015/boris-johnson-called-to-reveal-full-details-of-west-ham-stadium-deal/
West Ham Olympic Stadium dal: LLDC appeals against disclosure ruling
http://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/oct/01/west-ham-olympic-stadium-appeal
FSF Ticket Pricing Protest:
http://www.eurosport.co.uk/football/premier-league/2015-2016/fans-staging-mass-protest-on-ticket-pricing.-but-will-anyone-even-listen_sto4929417/story.shtml
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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