Updates on:
THST AGM – 26 February ***FULL MEMBERS: PLEASE USE YOUR VOTE!***
BT Sport FA Cup scheduling protest at Tranmere – 4 January
FA Cup pricing meeting with the Football Association – 17 January
Crowd management at Barcelona: update on formal complaint to UEFA
Planning for both legs v Chelsea in the Carabao Cup semi-final
THFC new stadium update – 9 January
Business & Community Liaison Group meeting – 22 January
THST Board meeting – 21 January
Proposed closure of White Hart Lane station ticket office: an update
THST AGM – 26 February ***FULL MEMBERS: PLEASE USE YOUR VOTE!***
BT Sport FA Cup scheduling protest at Tranmere – 4 January
FA Cup pricing meeting with the Football Association – 17 January
Crowd management at Barcelona: update on formal complaint to UEFA
Planning for both legs v Chelsea in the Carabao Cup semi-final
THFC new stadium update – 9 January
Business & Community Liaison Group meeting – 22 January
THST Board meeting – 21 January
Proposed closure of White Hart Lane station ticket office: an update
Other:
1. THST AGM – 26 February ***FULL MEMBERS: PLEASE USE YOUR VOTE!***
Our 2019 AGM is being held at CMS’s offices at Cannon Street on Tuesday 26 February. The convening notice was issued to all members eligible to vote on 11 January via email. An agenda for the meeting, candidate manifestoes and proxy voting forms will be emailed to full members on Monday 4 February. Information is also available on the dedicated AGM page of our website, and via the pinned tweet on our Twitter account @THSTOfficial.
The AGM gives you the chance to examine our work over the last year and ask questions about it, and will also feature some key areas of business we are required to carry out.
We are also attempting to update our rules to bring them in line with current legislation and to simplify them. The new rules can be read on the dedicated AGM web page. In order for us to update our rules, we need two-thirds of our full membership to vote. For this reason, we are urging all those eligible to vote to do so this year!
There are four ways to register your vote:
2. BT Sport FA Cup scheduling protest at Tranmere – 4 January
Our Third Round FA Cup tie against Tranmere Rovers was selected by BT Sport for live broadcast at 7.45pm on Friday 4 January. This meant there was no train option for fans to travel home and a half day off work was needed for most to get to the game – all this coming after our New Year’s Day away game at Cardiff being scheduled for 5.30pm for TV. The Club did arrange subsidised coach travel, for which we give thanks, but even that task was made more difficult because the Second Round replay between Tranmere Rovers and Southport was delayed a week after it was selected for TV coverage by BT Sport.
We have been working, alongside other club-based fan groups and the national supporters’ organisations for over two years now to get TV companies to take the impact on supporters, particularly those who have to travel long distances, into account when selecting matches to broadcast. We accept that those companies have paid significant sums to cover the games, and that the income is significant, particularly for lower league clubs. We also recognise that televised games open football up to a wider audience, including many fans unable to attend games. But we are asking for a better balance.
Part of what the TV companies pay for is the atmosphere generated at games. That atmosphere is driven by the interplay between home and away fans, and the passion of support is regularly used by the game and the TV companies to market their ‘product’. So we just want the interests of the fans who create that support to be taken into account.
BT Sport have proved the least willing of the broadcasters to engage with us. And so, in the absence of constructive discussion, we organised a peaceful visual protest. Six banners were displayed in the away end at the start and end of the game, drawing attention to the impact of the scheduling. Pictures of that protest got wide support from fans across the game on social media, made the back page of two national newspapers and attracted favourable comment from a number of football journalists.
It was a successful protest and caused no trouble. But after the final whistle, Tranmere stewards backed by the police moved in to confiscate one banner that carried the slogan ‘BT Sport: FA Cup killers!’. We were on the spot to help calm frayed tempers and question why this was being done. We were told BT Sport had requested the banner’s removal, and informed by one of the Metropolitan Police officers who was on duty in the away end that “this event is being hosted by BT Sport”. We pointed out that Tranmere Rovers were the hosts, and asked what, if any, offence was being committed. Despite the fact that no offence was being committed, the banner was confiscated.
It’s worrying that a broadcaster is apparently asking stewards and police to help censor free speech. The move to censor visual protest comes after several instances of broadcasters playing piped crowd noise over chants critical of them. We wonder if customers paying to view games are happy that what they are seeing and hearing may not be the genuine article.
There’s a wider issue too. The balance of interests we mentioned also applies to the influence TV has on the game. The FA Cup was the most famous knockout competition in world football – it had iconic status. The Third Round was one of the biggest days in the calendar. This year, that event was diluted with ties being spread over four days at multiple times, with only 10 ties kicking off at 3pm on the Saturday. The TV tail is clearly wagging the football dog, and the prestige of a competition loved by fans is being eroded. The support for our protest shows there is an issue that must be addressed.
3. FA Cup pricing meeting with the Football Association – 17 January
Our co-chair Kat Law was one of three fan reps to meet with senior FA staff, including CEO Martin Glenn, to follow up on discussions about rising prices at FA Cup semi-finals and finals. Kat represented the new Unified Football Supporters Organisation, alongside fellow national council member Dave Pennington from Manchester United Supporters’ Trust, and FA Council fan rep Tom Greatrex from the Fulham Supporters’ Trust.
Research carried out by MUST at last year’s events showed significant migration of support from behind the goals to the cheaper seats in the top tier between the semi-final and the final. This means the supporters most likely to generate the atmosphere behind the goals are being priced out, affecting the spectacle TV companies pay for at these games. For context, prices in the East and West goal areas increase by £50 between the semi-final and the final, to an extortionate £115 for the final.
The FA was unwilling to take a hit on the revenue generated by the price increases, citing the need to fund its work at grassroots level and around issues such as safeguarding, whilst reminding of its status as a not-for-profit organisation. However, they did agree to look at remodeling the prices for these games, with the aim of bringing down prices behind both goals by introducing additional categories elsewhere and reviewing the elasticity of pricing for the best seats in the north and south stands.
We will be closely monitoring next steps in the hope that one of these days, prices at FA Cup finals might be of direct relevance to Spurs fans again!
4. Crowd management at Barcelona: update on formal complaint to UEFA
A formal complaint over the treatment of our supporters at Barcelona in the Champions League tie in December has been lodged with UEFA by the Club. That complaint includes the accounts sent in by supporters to the Trust. We understand the complaint has gone in alongside a similar one from Chelsea FC.
As reported in our December newsletter, our dossier was sent to the Club, the FA, Football Supporters Europe and the Metropolitan Police.
We will keep you updated on developments.
5. Planning for both legs v Chelsea in the Carabao Cup semi-final
THST reps took part in a conference call to plan for our second leg Carabao Cup tie at Stamford Bridge, alongside reps from THFC, CFC, Chelsea fan groups, the Metropolitan Police and the local council. Discussion focused on entry and exit for our larger than normal allocation, and helped ensure there were no problems at the gates on the night.
We also participated in a planning call for the first leg of the semi-final at Wembley earlier in the month.
We were able to communicate relevant messages to our fans, which we hope contributed to a relatively issue-free tie off the pitch.
6. THFC new stadium update – 9 January
On 9 January, THFC confirmed Premier League games against Watford, Newcastle United and Leicester City, along with our Champions League tie against Borussia Dortmund would be played at Wembley Stadium. There is still no opening date for our new stadium. The Club is aware of the view among some supporters that it would now be better to confirm the rest of the season at Wembley. But we understand the intention is still to move matches to our new stadium as soon as possible, and we understand the financial reasoning for that.
The Club has again refunded 1/19th of the ticket price for each game, and asked fans to reapply for tickets at Wembley. It has listened to the issues we have raised and opted to price all three league games at category C – they were all B last season. Taken with the decision to price the Dortmund game at cat B, this effectively gives all ST holders who apply for their refunds and then purchase all four games a heavily discounted ticket for a Champions league knockout tie. Credit to the Club for this.
We’re aware there is still significant discontent over a number of aspects affecting ST holders and premium ticket holders. We continue to push for a proper conversation on the premium offering. We’re also aware that we have now played over half our ‘home’ games away from the stadium fans bought tickets for. Once there is clarity about what happens this season, we will be asking for a full conversation with the Club about ticketing this season and next.
We get a steady stream of complaints about away fans in home sections at Wembley. We’ve raised the issue with THFC and with WNSL and are assured stewards are briefed not to allow fans wearing away colours into home sections. All we can say is that this briefing does not seem to be hitting home with all stewards. We asked for feedback from the Club after the Manchester United game and were told that 60 away fans were refused entry to home areas, with a further 33 ejected. A number of touts were also arrested outside the stadium and we are told any tickets found to be sold on will be traced and the owners banned from purchasing tickets for or attending Spurs games.
7. Business & Community Liaison Group meeting – 22 January
Trust Secretary, Pete Haine, attended January’s BCLG meeting on behalf of THST. The meeting was informed that, while progress is being made in the stadium, dates for test events are yet to be finalised. An update will be forthcoming from the Club in the next couple of weeks.
The Club have made a proposal to the London Borough of Haringey regarding street cleaning on major event days and are awaiting LBH agreement.
Pete thanked the Club on behalf of THST for supporting the Antwerp Arms with the attendance of Gary Mabbutt and Tony Stevens for the televised game against Fulham.
8. THST Board meeting – 21 January
The Board met on 21 January to update on current work streams and finalise preparations for the AGM. Topics for discussion included where to invest our surplus for 2019, with sponsorship of a Spurs Ladies match already agreed. Improving our digital presence, developing a rewards scheme, producing badges and other giveaways, and sponsoring a grassroots football team were tabled for further exploration.
Marketing and communications were doing well, with continuing partnerships with The Spurs Show, Wingate and Finchley, Zeelo, and Boxpark Wembley all offering benefits to THST members.
Membership and finance continued to be in a strong position, with an initiative to recruit more of the UK and ROI-based Official Supporters Clubs underway.
There were updates on work with the Metropolitan Police, London Travelwatch, WNSL, The Unified Football Supporters Organisation, the FA and, of course, THFC, from Board members, all of whom are contributing to ongoing tasks. Specific issues are covered separately in this newsletter and a full round up of our years’ work will be available at our AGM.
9. Proposed closure of White Hart Lane station ticket office: an update
Following the objections submitted by THST and THFC, London Travelwatch – the independent statutory watchdog for transport users in and around London – has also objected to the proposed closure of White Hart Lane station ticket office. Our objection can be read in full under point 11 here.
We will update on a final decision once available.
Other:
TO JOIN CYCLE ON YOU SPURS: Click here (and don’t forget our £50 fee discount THSTCOYS19)
TO DONATE TO CYCLE ON YOU SPURS: Click here.
TO SPONSOR CYCLE ON YOU SPURS: The team cycling jersey for 2019 is at the design stage. If any of you would like to see your company’s name on the shirt here is your chance, at around £500 front or back, £300 sleeve.
If you’d like to find out more, email: kevin.fitzgerald@thstofficial.com
For any of Wingate and Finchley’s home matches, adults presenting a proof of membership of THST at the gates will gain entry for half price. That’s just £6. And any juniors under the age of 16 will be allowed in for FREE. For Senior Concessions (over 65) and Students (proof required for both), the charge is a modest £3. More information can be found here.
Throughout February, Wingate and Finchley face Bishop’s Stortford on the 19th and Worthing on the 23rd.
THST members are welcome at these matches. Keep an eye on Wingate & Finchley’s social media for latest news.
We’d like to clarify that this is not an exclusive arrangement with Wingate and Finchley, and should we be approached by other local teams with a similar offer, we’d be very happy to explore similar partnerships.
In addition, Zeelo is also offering a 25% discount for bookings of 3 seats or more using the promo code GROUP.
Zeelo remain committed to taking Spurs fans to all home games, whether they be at Wembley or the new White Hart Lane Stadium, for the 2018/19 season.
Media:
4 January
Tranmere protest
Football London – Pushing supporters to the limit
@SpursOfficial – Thanks for your superb support tonight
Express Sport – Cup Tradition Gets The Boot
9 January
Wembley announced for February games
Evening Standard - Tottenham's new stadium update
BoxPark Wembley – Spurs NYE Party
THST Board
31 January 2019
For more exclusive and live updates follow us on our social media sites:
Twitter: @THSTOfficial
Facebook: www.facebook.com/THSTOfficial
TO BECOME A TRUST MEMBER, PLEASE CLICK HERE.
- THST Quiz at the Annie – 25 April
- Sponsoring Spurs Ladies v Sheffield United - 24 March
- Working with SpursAbility
- Boxpark Wembley New Year’s party
- Helping the Antwerp Arms – Fulham screening with Gary Mabbutt and future plans
- Prostate Cancer UK: Football to Amsterdam 2019
- Wingate and Finchley upcoming matches
- Zeelo coach travel for this season
1. THST AGM – 26 February ***FULL MEMBERS: PLEASE USE YOUR VOTE!***
Our 2019 AGM is being held at CMS’s offices at Cannon Street on Tuesday 26 February. The convening notice was issued to all members eligible to vote on 11 January via email. An agenda for the meeting, candidate manifestoes and proxy voting forms will be emailed to full members on Monday 4 February. Information is also available on the dedicated AGM page of our website, and via the pinned tweet on our Twitter account @THSTOfficial.
The AGM gives you the chance to examine our work over the last year and ask questions about it, and will also feature some key areas of business we are required to carry out.
We are also attempting to update our rules to bring them in line with current legislation and to simplify them. The new rules can be read on the dedicated AGM web page. In order for us to update our rules, we need two-thirds of our full membership to vote. For this reason, we are urging all those eligible to vote to do so this year!
There are four ways to register your vote:
- Come along to the AGM in person on 26 February
- Register your proxy vote by taking a quick online survey – we’ll send the link out on Monday
- Register your proxy vote by completing a Word document and returning to us by email or post – we’ll send the proxy form out on Monday
- Instruct another person to come along to the AGM and vote on your behalf on 26 February
2. BT Sport FA Cup scheduling protest at Tranmere – 4 January
Our Third Round FA Cup tie against Tranmere Rovers was selected by BT Sport for live broadcast at 7.45pm on Friday 4 January. This meant there was no train option for fans to travel home and a half day off work was needed for most to get to the game – all this coming after our New Year’s Day away game at Cardiff being scheduled for 5.30pm for TV. The Club did arrange subsidised coach travel, for which we give thanks, but even that task was made more difficult because the Second Round replay between Tranmere Rovers and Southport was delayed a week after it was selected for TV coverage by BT Sport.
We have been working, alongside other club-based fan groups and the national supporters’ organisations for over two years now to get TV companies to take the impact on supporters, particularly those who have to travel long distances, into account when selecting matches to broadcast. We accept that those companies have paid significant sums to cover the games, and that the income is significant, particularly for lower league clubs. We also recognise that televised games open football up to a wider audience, including many fans unable to attend games. But we are asking for a better balance.
Part of what the TV companies pay for is the atmosphere generated at games. That atmosphere is driven by the interplay between home and away fans, and the passion of support is regularly used by the game and the TV companies to market their ‘product’. So we just want the interests of the fans who create that support to be taken into account.
BT Sport have proved the least willing of the broadcasters to engage with us. And so, in the absence of constructive discussion, we organised a peaceful visual protest. Six banners were displayed in the away end at the start and end of the game, drawing attention to the impact of the scheduling. Pictures of that protest got wide support from fans across the game on social media, made the back page of two national newspapers and attracted favourable comment from a number of football journalists.
It was a successful protest and caused no trouble. But after the final whistle, Tranmere stewards backed by the police moved in to confiscate one banner that carried the slogan ‘BT Sport: FA Cup killers!’. We were on the spot to help calm frayed tempers and question why this was being done. We were told BT Sport had requested the banner’s removal, and informed by one of the Metropolitan Police officers who was on duty in the away end that “this event is being hosted by BT Sport”. We pointed out that Tranmere Rovers were the hosts, and asked what, if any, offence was being committed. Despite the fact that no offence was being committed, the banner was confiscated.
It’s worrying that a broadcaster is apparently asking stewards and police to help censor free speech. The move to censor visual protest comes after several instances of broadcasters playing piped crowd noise over chants critical of them. We wonder if customers paying to view games are happy that what they are seeing and hearing may not be the genuine article.
There’s a wider issue too. The balance of interests we mentioned also applies to the influence TV has on the game. The FA Cup was the most famous knockout competition in world football – it had iconic status. The Third Round was one of the biggest days in the calendar. This year, that event was diluted with ties being spread over four days at multiple times, with only 10 ties kicking off at 3pm on the Saturday. The TV tail is clearly wagging the football dog, and the prestige of a competition loved by fans is being eroded. The support for our protest shows there is an issue that must be addressed.
3. FA Cup pricing meeting with the Football Association – 17 January
Our co-chair Kat Law was one of three fan reps to meet with senior FA staff, including CEO Martin Glenn, to follow up on discussions about rising prices at FA Cup semi-finals and finals. Kat represented the new Unified Football Supporters Organisation, alongside fellow national council member Dave Pennington from Manchester United Supporters’ Trust, and FA Council fan rep Tom Greatrex from the Fulham Supporters’ Trust.
Research carried out by MUST at last year’s events showed significant migration of support from behind the goals to the cheaper seats in the top tier between the semi-final and the final. This means the supporters most likely to generate the atmosphere behind the goals are being priced out, affecting the spectacle TV companies pay for at these games. For context, prices in the East and West goal areas increase by £50 between the semi-final and the final, to an extortionate £115 for the final.
The FA was unwilling to take a hit on the revenue generated by the price increases, citing the need to fund its work at grassroots level and around issues such as safeguarding, whilst reminding of its status as a not-for-profit organisation. However, they did agree to look at remodeling the prices for these games, with the aim of bringing down prices behind both goals by introducing additional categories elsewhere and reviewing the elasticity of pricing for the best seats in the north and south stands.
We will be closely monitoring next steps in the hope that one of these days, prices at FA Cup finals might be of direct relevance to Spurs fans again!
4. Crowd management at Barcelona: update on formal complaint to UEFA
A formal complaint over the treatment of our supporters at Barcelona in the Champions League tie in December has been lodged with UEFA by the Club. That complaint includes the accounts sent in by supporters to the Trust. We understand the complaint has gone in alongside a similar one from Chelsea FC.
As reported in our December newsletter, our dossier was sent to the Club, the FA, Football Supporters Europe and the Metropolitan Police.
We will keep you updated on developments.
5. Planning for both legs v Chelsea in the Carabao Cup semi-final
THST reps took part in a conference call to plan for our second leg Carabao Cup tie at Stamford Bridge, alongside reps from THFC, CFC, Chelsea fan groups, the Metropolitan Police and the local council. Discussion focused on entry and exit for our larger than normal allocation, and helped ensure there were no problems at the gates on the night.
We also participated in a planning call for the first leg of the semi-final at Wembley earlier in the month.
We were able to communicate relevant messages to our fans, which we hope contributed to a relatively issue-free tie off the pitch.
6. THFC new stadium update – 9 January
On 9 January, THFC confirmed Premier League games against Watford, Newcastle United and Leicester City, along with our Champions League tie against Borussia Dortmund would be played at Wembley Stadium. There is still no opening date for our new stadium. The Club is aware of the view among some supporters that it would now be better to confirm the rest of the season at Wembley. But we understand the intention is still to move matches to our new stadium as soon as possible, and we understand the financial reasoning for that.
The Club has again refunded 1/19th of the ticket price for each game, and asked fans to reapply for tickets at Wembley. It has listened to the issues we have raised and opted to price all three league games at category C – they were all B last season. Taken with the decision to price the Dortmund game at cat B, this effectively gives all ST holders who apply for their refunds and then purchase all four games a heavily discounted ticket for a Champions league knockout tie. Credit to the Club for this.
We’re aware there is still significant discontent over a number of aspects affecting ST holders and premium ticket holders. We continue to push for a proper conversation on the premium offering. We’re also aware that we have now played over half our ‘home’ games away from the stadium fans bought tickets for. Once there is clarity about what happens this season, we will be asking for a full conversation with the Club about ticketing this season and next.
We get a steady stream of complaints about away fans in home sections at Wembley. We’ve raised the issue with THFC and with WNSL and are assured stewards are briefed not to allow fans wearing away colours into home sections. All we can say is that this briefing does not seem to be hitting home with all stewards. We asked for feedback from the Club after the Manchester United game and were told that 60 away fans were refused entry to home areas, with a further 33 ejected. A number of touts were also arrested outside the stadium and we are told any tickets found to be sold on will be traced and the owners banned from purchasing tickets for or attending Spurs games.
7. Business & Community Liaison Group meeting – 22 January
Trust Secretary, Pete Haine, attended January’s BCLG meeting on behalf of THST. The meeting was informed that, while progress is being made in the stadium, dates for test events are yet to be finalised. An update will be forthcoming from the Club in the next couple of weeks.
The Club have made a proposal to the London Borough of Haringey regarding street cleaning on major event days and are awaiting LBH agreement.
Pete thanked the Club on behalf of THST for supporting the Antwerp Arms with the attendance of Gary Mabbutt and Tony Stevens for the televised game against Fulham.
8. THST Board meeting – 21 January
The Board met on 21 January to update on current work streams and finalise preparations for the AGM. Topics for discussion included where to invest our surplus for 2019, with sponsorship of a Spurs Ladies match already agreed. Improving our digital presence, developing a rewards scheme, producing badges and other giveaways, and sponsoring a grassroots football team were tabled for further exploration.
Marketing and communications were doing well, with continuing partnerships with The Spurs Show, Wingate and Finchley, Zeelo, and Boxpark Wembley all offering benefits to THST members.
Membership and finance continued to be in a strong position, with an initiative to recruit more of the UK and ROI-based Official Supporters Clubs underway.
There were updates on work with the Metropolitan Police, London Travelwatch, WNSL, The Unified Football Supporters Organisation, the FA and, of course, THFC, from Board members, all of whom are contributing to ongoing tasks. Specific issues are covered separately in this newsletter and a full round up of our years’ work will be available at our AGM.
9. Proposed closure of White Hart Lane station ticket office: an update
Following the objections submitted by THST and THFC, London Travelwatch – the independent statutory watchdog for transport users in and around London – has also objected to the proposed closure of White Hart Lane station ticket office. Our objection can be read in full under point 11 here.
We will update on a final decision once available.
Other:
- THST Quiz at the Annie – 25 April
- Sponsoring Spurs Ladies v Sheffield United - 24 March
- Working with SpursAbility
- Boxpark Wembley New Year’s party
- Helping the Antwerp Arms – Fulham screening with Gary Mabbutt and future plans
- Prostate Cancer UK: Football to Amsterdam 2019
TO JOIN CYCLE ON YOU SPURS: Click here (and don’t forget our £50 fee discount THSTCOYS19)
TO DONATE TO CYCLE ON YOU SPURS: Click here.
TO SPONSOR CYCLE ON YOU SPURS: The team cycling jersey for 2019 is at the design stage. If any of you would like to see your company’s name on the shirt here is your chance, at around £500 front or back, £300 sleeve.
If you’d like to find out more, email: kevin.fitzgerald@thstofficial.com
- Wingate and Finchley upcoming matches
For any of Wingate and Finchley’s home matches, adults presenting a proof of membership of THST at the gates will gain entry for half price. That’s just £6. And any juniors under the age of 16 will be allowed in for FREE. For Senior Concessions (over 65) and Students (proof required for both), the charge is a modest £3. More information can be found here.
Throughout February, Wingate and Finchley face Bishop’s Stortford on the 19th and Worthing on the 23rd.
THST members are welcome at these matches. Keep an eye on Wingate & Finchley’s social media for latest news.
We’d like to clarify that this is not an exclusive arrangement with Wingate and Finchley, and should we be approached by other local teams with a similar offer, we’d be very happy to explore similar partnerships.
- Zeelo coach travel
In addition, Zeelo is also offering a 25% discount for bookings of 3 seats or more using the promo code GROUP.
Zeelo remain committed to taking Spurs fans to all home games, whether they be at Wembley or the new White Hart Lane Stadium, for the 2018/19 season.
Media:
4 January
Tranmere protest
Football London – Pushing supporters to the limit
@SpursOfficial – Thanks for your superb support tonight
Express Sport – Cup Tradition Gets The Boot
9 January
Wembley announced for February games
Evening Standard - Tottenham's new stadium update
BoxPark Wembley – Spurs NYE Party
THST Board
31 January 2019
For more exclusive and live updates follow us on our social media sites:
Twitter: @THSTOfficial
Facebook: www.facebook.com/THSTOfficial
TO BECOME A TRUST MEMBER, PLEASE CLICK HERE.