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Daniel Levy/Joe Lewis
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Baldini and Levy went to Lewis last summer and told him if they were allowed re-invest the Bale money we would be challenging for the title.
Someone has to hang [metaphorically] for that imo. Lewis put his money where his mouth is last summer but in retrospect I think we all wished he had followed his natural instincts and just banked it. If we had that money towards the stadium it would have been better spent.
Sometimes throwing money at something isn't the correct option.0 -
THST/THFC Board to Board Meeting, 13th May 2014
Tottenham Hotspur Supporters’ Trust
Tottenham Hotspur Football Club
Board to Board Meeting
Tuesday 13th May 2014, 6pm
Tottenham Hotspur Football Club, Bill Nicholson Way, 748 High Road, Tottenham, London N17 0AP
Minutes
THST Board: Darren Howlett (Chairman), Katrina Law (Secretary), Adam Bailey (Treasurer), Ellie Kershaw, Martin Cloake, Paul Head, Suraj Sharma
THFC Board: Daniel Levy (Chairman), Donna-Maria Cullen (Executive Director), Sue Tilling (Safety Officer), Ian Murphy (Head of Ticketing and Membership), Jonathan Waite (Customer Service & Supporter Liaison Manager)
The meeting opened with DC expressing how much THST Joint Chairman, Darren Alexander, was missed following his passing in March. This sentiment was shared by all.
1. Stadium Update: CPO’s, naming rights, timescales, ground shares
DH stated that the stadium was the most critical issue facing the Club at present
DL explained how the CPO on the one remaining property (Archway Steel) was still outstanding, a year after the public enquiry in March 2013. THFC had been advised a decision was imminent in September 2013 and has been following up fortnightly through lawyers ever since
THFC has already relocated 71 businesses from Tottenham amicably to secure the land for the new stadium
THFC has been trying to purchase Archway Steel for 10 years now and until this is finally resolved, work cannot begin on the new stadium
AB asked whether the timelines shared with fans in April were achievable, in terms of the completion date of 2017. DL commented that the timings were increasingly tight and there was the possibility this may be pushed back if the CPO was any further delayed
MC asked whether the stadium design remained the same as the set made public in 2012. DC commented that there would be internal changes as the design was already dated in terms of the latest fittings etc.
DL and DC confirmed that once THFC is in a position to begin the build process in earnest, the various committees established to advise and assist with the move would be revived – Heritage Committee, Transport Committee etc.
The possibility of ground sharing for the final season prior to the new stadium opening was raised by THST. DL advised that THFC had an open mind as to where this may be but this was looking increasingly like a possibility
KL enquired as to the possibility of building a multi-purpose stadium to accommodate other sports (NFL, in particular). DL commented that nothing was planned at this point but they would keep an open mind for the future
2. Safe Standing: Survey results
PH and KL talked through the results from the THST survey undertaken in December 2013 around the issue of Safe Standing
The survey was open to all THFC fans via Survey Monkey and received c 2300 respondents over a two week period
The results were overwhelmingly positive
A full copy of the presentation and the main findings can be viewed here.
Once the conclusions had been shared, THST then asked THFC for comment on their position on the Safe Standing debate
DL and DC stated they were open minded for now and would be supportive once there’s a change in legislation. They are also willing to consult with other Premier League Clubs over their positions in this discussion
THST stressed there was a definite appetite for this amongst our supporters
Bearing in mind the complex circumstances regarding the new stadium, the club felt this was the wrong time for THFC to spearhead any campaign on this
DC agreed to provide a comment to accompany the Survey Results, which THST would publish as soon as possible
3. Atmosphere: Visuals and audio
KL began by thanking DC for her support in this area over the past year. Backing the surfing flag idea (and funding the first one), agreeing to push Haringey SAG for a bigger flag for next season and understanding why visuals are important in general was really appreciated
KL also thanked JW and ST for working with the fans to allow more flags etc. into the ground over recent months. This was to be encouraged more over the coming campaign
Organic growth in this area was the best possible way forward as anything too artificial caused a backlash hence the ideal was more flags and banners being brought in by fans of their own accord
KL explained how THST hoped to produce more of the banners for the Park Lane and Paxton Road balconies next season after the delivery of the ‘Bill Nicholson’ banner earlier this week. These are fan funded and offer a chance for supporters to feel part of their stadium
All commented how the atmosphere at the Ledley King Testimonial match had been superb and the aim was to capture that for home league games
The contribution the 1882 movement had made to cup games and youth games was also acknowledged by both THFC and THST
The issue of the Drum was raised and THFC agreed to hold discussions with the drummer over the summer
KL asked for the ‘Tottenham Tweets’ on the Jumbotron to stop, claiming they are distracting as, naturally, fans presume it’s a goal update. Plus no one in the ground can tweet as there isn’t a signal! JW commented many people liked and enjoyed the tweets
DC confirmed that there will be a WIFI signal/increased bandwidth in White Hart Lane for all to use from next season onwards
4. THFC 2013-2014 Season Review: positives, negatives, next season
Following the departure of Tim Sherwood earlier in the day, DH opened up this section by asking for clarification of the footballing principles guiding DL
DL explained that we needed a manager who believed in our football philosophy, where we would be entertained
DL stated we have a very good group of players at the Club and, ideally, we want someone who can bring the best out of experienced players and bring through youth, too
The managerial tenure at THFC was not felt to be out of kilter with most of the top flight, excepting Arsenal and formerly Man Utd. And certainly not with Europe, where standard contracts were for 2 seasons only
THST asked about Lamela. As a club record signing, the fans should have been kept in the loop on his progress. DC responded that Tim had updated in his press conferences and confirmed that he is now back in light training following a complex back injury
THST questioned what success looked like for Spurs? Was it a top 4 finish or silverware? DL acknowledged that there were 6 or 7 teams competing for those four places so top 4 was difficult but should always be an ambition
THST asked whether there would be renewed focus on the Europa League following the rule changes. DL commented the competition was always taken seriously and would be next season
THST made clear the level of disillusion and disaffection among fans over a perceived lack of direction at the club, DL reiterated that our ambitions remain the same
5. Ticketing: Pricing, allocations
KL acknowledged the progress in terms of fan consultation this season and thanked DL for the season ticket and match day prize freeze and the rise in concessions from U16 to U18
KL also welcomed the Capital One and UEL pricing of £20/ £10/ £5 offered last season
Taking the maximum allocation to away games was another positive, as our away support continues to be solid
The new loyalty point allocation for away games, after discussion with THST, was another example of collaborative working this year. Away games will be awarded points on the basis of the opposition, time of day, day of week and location from Aug 2014 onwards
THST members had put forward some questions around the area of ticketing, which KL raised. IM responded as follows:
Booking fees on ST and Membership renewals: terms of the Ticketmaster contract and can’t be absorbed into the actual ticket price
ST waiting list should be based on LP’s and not longevity of membership: not prepared to change the goal posts of a loyalty system with 4 years to go until a new stadium. Wouldn’t be fair
The priority 1000 Bronze seats should be anywhere in the stadium: THFC have chosen the best available seats across the stadium but need to remember a lot are taken by ST holders and they need to spread the 1000 around the ground to accommodate fans wishing to sit in different stands and tiers around the stadium. Difficulty here is software and technology, too. If the system allows you to book anywhere in the ground, it can be difficult to tell when it’s reached 1000 sales whilst tickets are in baskets and the site is live. By having 1000 identified seats, it makes it a lot easier. THST requested a breakdown of the 1000 Bronze seats
6. StubHub: Ongoing THST campaign update
MC stated that the Trust position on the secondary ticketing platform had been made clear previously and there was little need to recap on earlier statements etc.
THST did appreciate the stop to ‘flipping’ on the site
IM commented that further changes will be made over the summer
MC referred to the work being undertaken by Twickets and Chelsea Supporters’ Trust / CFC tickets to establish an ethical ticket exchange
MC asked if the club would be prepared to meet with any potential partners we suggested for future schemes, and THFC indicated they would approach any suggestions with an open mind
With one year left on the current deal with StubHub, discussions had not yet opened proper regarding any extension on this
DC did flag the importance of commercial partnerships when considering Financial Fair Play, however
7. Away Fans Matter: Allocating the £200K for next season
KL commented on the confusion last summer around whose money this was. There was the misconception this was a Premier League grant as opposed to each Club’s money ring-fenced for the away fans initiative. Better communication from the PL could have avoided this
KL also stated the THST preference for the money at that time had been to reduce ticket prices by £1.50 or so, but acknowledged the travel subsidies had worked well
The coaches had seen a 3 fold uplift on last season (minimum) and several families had contacted THST to say the free coaches / £10 coaches had meant they were able to take their children to more away games than they would’ve been able to without the subsidised transport
The train to Liverpool was a great success and EK and KL, who travelled on it, were complimentary about the price and the service all round
A further 4 trains next season will be welcomed
KL did flag that there was discontent from some of those living outside of N London, for whom a coach from WHL wasn’t practical
JW commented on the Official Supporters’ Clubs being entitled to one free away coach each season, too. This benefitted fans all over the country
KL requested the possibility of food and programme vouchers at selected games be explored for next season
KL agreed it was impossible to please all of the people, all of the time and that the travel, the free scarves, the refurbishments to the away end at WHL were a good start for the first year of this initiative
KL requested THST be kept in the loop and consulted with moving forwards on this initiative
8. The Y Word: Taking stock of the past 6 months and looking ahead
DC acknowledged this remained a complex issue and had been headline news both here and abroad, especially in the USA, such was the interest in the case
Both THST and THFC agreed using the term should never have been a criminal offence, however, the THFC consultation did illustrate some fans are offended by the term
THST and THFC both hoped the flash point had now passed
Neither party had received an update from the Metropolitan Police after the CPS discontinued the case against the 3 Spurs fans on 7th March
DC said that THFC remained focused on fighting anti-semitism. THST agreed that was its’ aim, also
THFC is in contact with Kick It Out regarding ways to combat anti-semitism within football moving forwards
9. AOB
Retire 26? KL asked whether Ledley King’s squad number would now be retired in his honour. DC replied it wouldn’t be retired but nor would it be assigned. Retiring it would be permanent and what would happen if Ledley’s son wants to play as Tottenham’s number 26 in future years?
DC confirmed that all toilets are undergoing a makeover in the North, East and South stands for the start of next season
Meeting concluded at 8pm0 -
Cheers for the info!Dublin Spur wrote: »1. Stadium Update: DL explained how the CPO on the one remaining property (Archway Steel) was still outstanding, a year after the public enquiry in March 2013. THFC had been advised a decision was imminent in September 2013 and has been following up fortnightly through lawyers ever since. THFC has been trying to purchase Archway Steel for 10 years now and until this is finally resolved, work cannot begin on the new stadium
Sometimes I wished the club was somewhere in China and they'd just remove people from their land and be done with it. The sad thing is the family that own Archway are all season ticket holders, said they will resent the club somewhat if they have to relocate their business but will still follow and attend as ST holders. Ten years is a fair aul time to hold out!Dublin Spur wrote: »9. AOB
Retire 26? KL asked whether Ledley King’s squad number would now be retired in his honour. DC replied it wouldn’t be retired but nor would it be assigned. Retiring it would be permanent and what would happen if Ledley’s son wants to play as Tottenham’s number 26 in future years?
The King is dead, long live the King!:D0 -
Great piece to share, cheers Dub Spur.
So are we getting our own flag/banner, is it worth a thread?0 -
Join Date:Posts: 6730
http://www.thstofficial.com/thst-updates/thstthfc-board-to-board-meeting,-13th-may-2014.aspx
^^^ Just a link to exactly what Dublin Spur posted above.0 -
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Good read. Cheers.0
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Leinstersqspur wrote: »Cheers for the info!
Sometimes I wished the club was somewhere in China and they'd just remove people from their land and be done with it. The sad thing is the family that own Archway are all season ticket holders, said they will resent the club somewhat if they have to relocate their business but will still follow and attend as ST holders. Ten years is a fair aul time to hold out!
The King is dead, long live the King!:D
Yes but they're vastly overvaluing their business. Something That local MP David Lammy even agreed with the club on this. They want people to feel sympathy yet are trying to extract more. Spurs are very rich but they're not going to be screwed with. Apparently there's a decision imminent on it.0 -
UK Rich List 2014 Rank: 25 Wealth: £3,350m
Lewis, 77, built his first fortune in the London hospitality business. A foreign exchange trader and global investor, he has interests in more than 150 companies via his Tavistock operation. He owns Tottenham Hotspur FC and has a £509m stake in the Mitchells & Butlers pub chain. Lewis has lent the National Gallery works from his art collection, and has homes in Argentina, the Bahamas and Florida.0 -
Last year before the Bale sale Lewis was going to pump 75 mill into the team. I hope most of that money is still available.0
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No it was well before the sale. Levy, Lewis and AVB met on Lewis's yacht. The plan was to keep Bale and bring in a few world class signings that 75 mill had been put by for. Who knows what changed between then and Madrid's world record bid...0
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No it was well before the sale. Levy, Lewis and AVB met on Lewis's yacht. The plan was to keep Bale and bring in a few world class signings that 75 mill had been put by for. Who knows what changed between then and Madrid's world record bid...
Was that ever official, or just paper talk?0 -
AFAIK it's pretty close to what happened. But you never know do you. paper talk comes from agents and leaks within the club and other misinformation etc...
Do we need 75 mill though? That team at present is, with the right man in charge, more than good enough to challenge for trophies and top 4. Just need one maybe two really good players and we're away.0 -
AFAIK it's pretty close to what happened. But you never know do you. paper talk comes from agents and leaks within the club and other misinformation etc...
Do we need 75 mill though? That team at present is, with the right man in charge, more than good enough to challenge for trophies and top 4. Just need one maybe two really good players and we're away.
Yeah spending loads of money is rarely the answer, especially as we're a club that can't attract Champions League players, unless they're mercenaries.0 -
Yeah spending loads of money is rarely the answer, especially as we're a club that can't attract Champions League players, unless they're mercenaries.
all premier league players are mercenaries, some are just paid more then others. give me a team of highly paid top class mercenaries any day.
if you want proof that this works just look at Chelsea. they've won more since 2001 then THFC has won in it's history, why has this happened ? because they have had teams of highly paid top quality mercenaries. during this tiem we've had teams of lower paid, lower quality mercenaries and won less as a result.
our owner has the ability to raise our profile but chooses not to - it's just tough **** that we get the 'investor' billionnaire rather than the 'creator' billionnaire.
hey-ho0 -
Dublin Spur wrote: »all premier league players are mercenaries, some are just paid more then others. give me a team of highly paid top class mercenaries any day.
if you want proof that this works just look at Chelsea. they've won more since 2001 then THFC has won in it's history, why has this happened ? because they have had teams of highly paid top quality mercenaries. during this tiem we've had teams of lower paid, lower quality mercenaries and won less as a result.
our owner has the ability to raise our profile but chooses not to - it's just tough **** that we get the 'investor' billionnaire rather than the 'creator' billionnaire.
hey-ho
Sorry, you're right, all players are mercenaries really, and they are professionals so shouldn't be blamed for that.
What I meant was that the only players who would come to Spurs would be the lazy types who are looking for a handy number to wind down their career.
It is possible to find highly motivated professionals who have a good work ethic and a hunger for professional achievement, and also maybe a passion for working as part of a team and being part of a great club.
Personally I'm glad we are still a football club and not a money club.
I reckon everyone starts out supporting a team as a kid because they like them for the football. Then somewhere along the way they become more motivated by trying to win slagging matches with their mates, and it all becomes about who has more trophies and who has more money.0 -
Sorry, you're right, all players are mercenaries really, and they are professionals so shouldn't be blamed for that.
What I meant was that the only players who would come to Spurs would be the lazy types who are looking for a handy number to wind down their career.
It is possible to find highly motivated professionals who have a good work ethic and a hunger for professional achievement, and also maybe a passion for working as part of a team and being part of a great club.
Personally I'm glad we are still a football club and not a money club.
I reckon everyone starts out supporting a team as a kid because they like them for the football. Then somewhere along the way they become more motivated by trying to win slagging matches with their mates, and it all becomes about who has more trophies and who has more money.
I think all premier league clubs are money clubs first and football clubs second. It all changed with the TV revenue in early 90s and has ballooned since then. Every club is in it to milk the system and make as much cash as possible.
If you really want to support a proper football club you're probabaly better off looking in the lower leagues (here or in UK). I know a good few lads that have jacked in the premier league bullsh1t in favor of local football and they love it.
The romance of the game is gone, The premier league is a multi-billion pound, media hyped, souless money making racket designed to suck in a TV audiance. Atmospheres at PL grounds have gone to ****, traditional football supporters have been priced out of the game, and when you do go, you can stand there and you can't sit here and you can't drink that and you can't sing the other. It's all gone to ****.
Even though the game is totally fcuked up beyond all recognition of what it used to be, I'd still like to see our Billionaire throw a few quid around and give us a little flavour of the good times again (when we were a big sucessful football club) but it seems he'd rather not and there's nothing we can do.0 -
I'd happily take us being a money club if we brought in good quality players that played entertaining football, while at the same time actually winning trophies (i.e. Chelsea or Man City). As would 90% of the fans to be honest.0
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Dublin Spur wrote: »I think all premier league clubs are money clubs first and football clubs second. It all changed with the TV revenue in early 90s and has ballooned since then. Every club is in it to milk the system and make as much cash as possible.
If you really want to support a proper football club you're probabaly better off looking in the lower leagues (here or in UK). I know a good few lads that have jacked in the premier league bullsh1t in favor of local football and they love it.
The romance of the game is gone, The premier league is a multi-billion pound, media hyped, souless money making racket designed to suck in a TV audiance. Atmospheres at PL grounds have gone to ****, traditional football supporters have been priced out of the game, and when you do go, you can stand there and you can't sit here and you can't drink that and you can't sing the other. It's all gone to ****.
Even though the game is totally fcuked up beyond all recognition of what it used to be, I'd still like to see our Billionaire throw a few quid around and give us a little flavour of the good times again (when we were a big sucessful football club) but it seems he'd rather not and there's nothing we can do.
I don't think all are money clubs. I mean there is big money flying around of course, but most clubs in the Premiership still depend on football for survival. Their money is generated by football, rather than the other way around. They'll usually be less successful than City or Chelsea, but at least it's real.
Atletico have shown that football can triumph over money, with a wage bill lower than QPR.0 -
I'd happily take us being a money club if we brought in good quality players that played entertaining football, while at the same time actually winning trophies (i.e. Chelsea or Man City). As would 90% of the fans to be honest.
absolutely, the experiences those clubs supporters have had since the BIG money arrived are amazing. Winning titles with world class players in every position - dreamland0 -
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Dublin Spur wrote: »
Even though the game is totally fcuked up beyond all recognition of what it used to be, I'd still like to see our Billionaire throw a few quid around and give us a little flavour of the good times again (when we were a big sucessful football club) but it seems he'd rather not and there's nothing we can do.
I think the romantic in us all would love to see us achieve success with players like Dawson, Lennon, Walker, Defoe making up the spine of the team but in reality that's never going to happen.
If Joe Lewis wanted to spend £100m on 3-4 quality players and it meant winning a cup or finishing top 4 then I could live with that.0 -
Dublin Spur wrote: »absolutely, the experiences those clubs supporters have had since the BIG money arrived are amazing. Winning Buying titles with world class players in every position - dreamland
Fixed your post.
Would be hollow for me.
Each to their own though.0 -
I don't think all are money clubs. I mean there is big money flying around of course, but most clubs in the Premiership still depend on football for survival. Their money is generated by football, rather than the other way around. They'll usually be less successful than City or Chelsea, but at least it's real.
Atletico have shown that football can triumph over money, with a wage bill lower than QPR.
the athletico story is great and I hope they win the CL too.
Unfortunately they are the exception rather than the rule. they will probabaly lose their manager and best players to higher paying bigger clubs over the next couple of years.
our owner has the financial power to put us right at the top of the game but chooses not to - it's a bit of a sickener but what can you do?0 -
2nd Row Donkey wrote: »I think the romantic in us all would love to see us achieve success with players like Dawson, Lennon, Walker, Defoe making up the spine of the team but in reality that's never going to happen.
If Joe Lewis wanted to spend £100m on 3-4 quality players and it meant winning buying a cup or finishing top 4 then I could live with that.
It is possible.
Atletico did it this year.0 -
Dublin Spur wrote: »the athletico story is great and I hope they win the CL too.
Unfortunately they are the exception rather than the rule. they will probabaly lose their manager and best players to higher paying bigger clubs over the next couple of years.
our owner has the financial power to put us right at the top of the game but chooses not to - it's a bit of a sickener but what can you do?
I agree they are the exception. Just saying it's possible.
I don't see why our owner should give us any more of his money. I don't understand that mentality. It's like getting bullied at school and asking your dad to beat them up for you.0 -
Fixed your post.
Would be hollow for me.
Each to their own though.
surely not as hollow as the feeling of winning nothing year after year, whilst still spending a lot of money on expensive lower level merceraries
also are you genuinely saying that you would not enjoy a Spurs title win if 200mil was spent assembling a world class team ?0 -
I agree they are the exception. Just saying it's possible.
I don't see why our owner should give us any more of his money. I don't understand that mentality. It's like getting bullied at school and asking your dad to beat them up for you.
I'm not saying he should, just that it would be nice if he did.
I'd like our owner to have an emotional connection with the club.
Lewis obviously has none, which is a shame.0 -
Dublin Spur wrote: »
our owner has the financial power to put us right at the top of the game but chooses not to - it's a bit of a sickener but what can you do?
This is the problem. Chelsea & Man City should never have been allowed to do what they've done in recent years. This also applies to Monaco, PSG & a few others. They've distorted normality and fairness to such an extent that other club's supporters berate their owners for not doing likewise.0 -
This is the problem. Chelsea & Man City should never have been allowed to do what they've done in recent years. This also applies to Monaco, PSG & a few others. They've distorted normality and fairness to such an extent that other club's supporters berate their owners for not doing likewise.
And this is why football is f*cked up. These clubs have destroyed it really and it no longer holds the magic of yesteryear. This should never have been allowed happen and it is a shame that it did all those years ago when Chelsea became Chelski.0 -
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Dublin Spur wrote: »surely not as hollow as the feeling of winning nothing year after year, whilst still spending a lot of money on expensive lower level merceraries
also are you genuinely saying that you would not enjoy a Spurs title win if 200mil was spent assembling a world class team ?
We qualified for Champions League a few years ago. I honestly consider that a big achievement and I loved seeing us up there and playing against the best teams and beating some of them. I would have enjoyed it a lot less if we had bought that achievement more than we earned it.
Honestly, I wouldn't enjoy a Spurs title win if it was bought.0
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