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Trust meeting with the board

Sandro30

Well-Known Member
Jul 7, 2011
2,855
12,322
Lots of interesting info in here, especially for those of us who are season ticket holders for next season;

Can't copy and paste all of it as it's so large so here is the link and a few bits that I thought were important
http://www.thstofficial.com/thst-news/report-of-thst-meeting-with-the-spurs-board-20-february-2018

4. Finances and wages
4.1 MG asked when the latest set of THFC accounts were due for release.
DL confirmed the end of March, as usual.

4.2 KS noted the anticipated rise in gate receipts from the Champions League matches at Wembley, placement money in the Premier League, the new broadcast deal etc. Did this provide more leeway for wages? Did THFC allow roughly 50% of income on players?
DL clarified that the Club didn’t operate on a fixed ratio but it was roughly that amount.

4.3 DL noted the perception that Spurs needed to spend money on players. This wasn’t borne out of fact. There are no guarantees. Big money signings are not always successful. MC made the point that that this was more widely recognised by fans and in the media.

4.4 Talk turned to retention of players amid paper talk of contract negotiations and wage caps.
DL felt that Mauricio Pochettino is the best manager in all the time he has been at Tottenham. They see eye to eye in terms of strategy. No player would be sold that MP wanted to stay.
PH mentioned the bonus payments, also. It was felt the bonus structure and incentives should also be considered when discussing players wages as they comprised a significant part of the monies and are the most generous of any club in the Premier League.

4.5 KL explained that, with the move back into the new stadium and with the team on the cusp of really achieving something, there was a real attachment to the players – to the unit – and fans would be upset were that unit to broken. And that the team was the key to the success of the new stadium.
DL referred back to statement that no player would be sold that MP wanted to stay and that this was a different club now.

5. Fan migration and GA ticketing for the new ground
5.1 KL asked for clarification of the plans for moving Season Ticket holders back into the new stadium.
IM commented that another lesson learned from Wembley was that the ‘lift and drop’ of blocks wasn’t the way forward. Pre-empting where people would want to sit last summer had resulted in untold issues with 1,001 permutations.
It would not be a ‘lift and drop’ of blocks moving back into the new ground.

5.2 IM explained the system which THFC feel is the fairest and most robust way to move fans into the new ground and this would be agreed with the Trust ahead of communicating ST sales shortly. ACTION: IM to agree migration plans with THST

5.3 IM confirmed the Ticket Office would share the mechanics by which every ST holder was eligible to purchase a seat clearly – and in good time ahead of the sales windows. This will hopefully allow for conversations between friends and families to take place.

5.4 A 3D ‘view from my seat’ piece of software is being developed (that will be compatible with every browser) to allow ST holders the opportunity to select their seat. IM stressed how impressive this is – and how accurate.
Once sales windows opened, the seat view would be updated overnight to reflect current availability.

5.5 KL asked what the maximum group size was for buying seats together.
IM said it was 20 at present.
KL asked if this could be extended as THST has been approached by numerous groups wanting to move together to preserve atmosphere. Not moving in blocks is one of the major concerns among supporters.
All groups would need to have full names, CRN’s etc. Not just ‘Barry and his cousin from the row behind’. It would need to be organised and a formal process.
KL requested that the Club explore how to facilitate group moves within the same window, accepting the practical issues this may cause but stressing the importance of keeping groups together. If this meant deploying additional resources, THST felt it was important to do so.
It was agreed IM would explore ways of facilitating larger group moves when all ST holders were within the same window. ACTION: IM to explore facilitating group moves into the new ground

5.6 All ST holders are to receive a physical mini-brochure detailing how to pick your seat etc. DMC would like THST to sense check test printing.
THST is happy to oblige. ACTION: DMC to share brochure with THST

5.7 Payment mechanisms were clarified. There would be a deposit taken first and then the balance. Estimated timings were March/April for the deposit and May for the balance – in line with usual timings.

5.8 KL asked whether the deposits had to be paid in one go by the lead booker or whether everyone in that booking could pay their own deposits.
IM clarified the deposit would be paid by the lead booker. There was a discussion around the technology available at this point.
There would be no refunds of deposits. The deposit would come off the cost of the Season Ticket when paying the balance.

5.9 KL asked that the deposit be no more than £20.
DL and SB said they would discuss the deposit amount. ACTION: DL/ SB to confirm deposit amount for ST’s

5.10 KL then raised the issue of Concessions in the new ground.
THST had prepared a paper outlining their thoughts on how Seniors and Juniors should be handled in the new stadium, and appealed for the introduction of a Young Adult category of pricing. This has been circulated in advance.
DMC explained that a Board Meeting was scheduled for Weds 21 February to discuss pricing and concessions and that the paper would feed into those discussions.
With that in mind, the THFC Board preferred not to enter into a discussion on Concessions at this meeting. THST expressed disappointment that submitting a proposal in advance led to less, rather than more, discussion. DMC assured THST that the proposal would be properly considered.

5.11 Similarly, with pricing for the new ground, the Spurs Board were due to meet the next day, Weds 21 February, to discuss pricing of GA areas.
THST shared concerns over a lack of opportunity to have sight of suggested pricing or to feed into any consultation process.
DL stressed that the Club had been looking at pricing for over a year, and that they were familiar with the Trust position. THST’s thoughts would be considered.
DMC committed to share the rationale for pricing with THST after it was agreed.
DMC assured the Club had listened to the Trust as regards stretch pricing and that there would be a variation of price points.
THST recorded its concerns at the attitude expressed. ACTION: DMC to share rationale and context for pricing

5.12 KL reiterated the need to price the South Stand accessibly if atmosphere was desired. Not to price it up because it’s a popular stand.

5.13 RM asked about the pricing of the East stand. Price parity with the West stand was confirmed.
RM and KL made the point that the East and West were not the same. Fans saw the West as the prestigious stand with the Director’s Box and players tunnel etc.
IM confirmed the facilities would be the same in both stands in the new ground.
RM wanted to know where ST holders from the old East would be expected to sit as West prices were considerably higher. Not all East stand patrons are affluent. THFC reiterated the point that all facilities were the same and that there were no bad views.

5.14 KL asked if lessons had been learned from not setting match day pricing before setting ST pricing last season.
KL felt the average gate of 67k could have been improved had the match day tickets been priced more affordably.
SB disagreed. Opposition, competition, time and date of kick off were more important than pricing. THST recorded its concerns at the attitude expressed.
IM commented that Spurs had broken 3 attendance records with Category A pricing.
 

Lemon

End World Debt
Jul 17, 2014
2,436
4,664
DL referred back to statement that no player would be sold that MP wanted to stay and that this was a different club now.

Nice.
 

Trix

Well-Known Member
Jul 29, 2004
19,337
329,025
DL referred back to statement that no player would be sold that MP wanted to stay and that this was a different club now.

Nice.


Surprised?


To be fair he's only said it every time he has been asked for the last 3 years or so.
 

hutchiniho

Top Cat
Mar 19, 2006
4,662
5,879
Is there in this statement however a slight ambiguity? It still doesn’t say our best players won’t be sold (as far as this can be guaranteed of course).

For example. Player X is the best in the league at his position. MP clearly doesn’t want this player to leave.
However Player X Has his head turned by the promise of x2/3/4 wages and guaranteed trophies. He starts to grumble and make waves in the dressing room.

This obviously creates disharmony and goes against what MP has created. MP then says, off you go. You can be sold.

Maybe I’m just been pedantic here but I could still see this situation being engineered by a player and the club ultimately selling a class player, that say 6 months prior would never have been on a ‘to sell’ list but now as a technicality almost MP is ok with selling.

Hopefully a trophy this season and next will nail everything down.

Great post btw
 

ComfortablyNumb

Well-Known Member
Jun 28, 2011
3,975
6,129
Surprised?


To be fair he's only said it every time he has been asked for the last 3 years or so.
I hear what you're saying, Trix, but surely he could take out a few double-page adverts in the Sunday Times, hire a biplane with a banner saying 'I'm backing Poch' to patrol the skies of London, and get that fat bird at the end of Last Night of the Proms to sing 'I luv Pochettino, Pochettino luvs me..'.

Tight git...
 

Trix

Well-Known Member
Jul 29, 2004
19,337
329,025
Is there in this statement however a slight ambiguity? It still doesn’t say our best players won’t be sold (as far as this can be guaranteed of course).

For example. Player X is the best in the league at his position. MP clearly doesn’t want this player to leave.
However Player X Has his head turned by the promise of x2/3/4 wages and guaranteed trophies. He starts to grumble and make waves in the dressing room.


This obviously creates disharmony and goes against what MP has created. MP then says, off you go. You can be sold.

Maybe I’m just been pedantic here but I could still see this situation being engineered by a player and the club ultimately selling a class player, that say 6 months prior would never have been on a ‘to sell’ list but now as a technicality almost MP is ok with selling.

Hopefully a trophy this season and next will nail everything down.

Great post btw

Of course see Kyle Walker for details. With MP it is always about the greater good as far as the team is concerned. If a player is sold it is because MP has decided that is what is best for the collective. Levy has said this, Poch has said this. I guarantee though if we have another Walker moment it will still all be Levy's fault, as far as a lot of Spurs fans are concerned. He's a far easier target.
 

thebenjamin

Well-Known Member
Jul 1, 2008
12,164
38,545
Is there in this statement however a slight ambiguity? It still doesn’t say our best players won’t be sold (as far as this can be guaranteed of course).

For example. Player X is the best in the league at his position. MP clearly doesn’t want this player to leave.
However Player X Has his head turned by the promise of x2/3/4 wages and guaranteed trophies. He starts to grumble and make waves in the dressing room.

This obviously creates disharmony and goes against what MP has created. MP then says, off you go. You can be sold.

Maybe I’m just been pedantic here but I could still see this situation being engineered by a player and the club ultimately selling a class player, that say 6 months prior would never have been on a ‘to sell’ list but now as a technicality almost MP is ok with selling.

Hopefully a trophy this season and next will nail everything down.

Great post btw

Yeah exactly, doesn't really mean anything.

DL: Toby's demands are too high, can't agree a new deal. We can keep him for next season but he'll be available for £25M. This summer I reckon we can get £60M or so for him
MP: Will that money be added to the transfer budget?
DL: Yes
MP: I want to sell Toby
 

Johnny J

Not the Kiwi you need but the one you deserve
Aug 18, 2012
18,124
47,902
Is there in this statement however a slight ambiguity? It still doesn’t say our best players won’t be sold (as far as this can be guaranteed of course).

For example. Player X is the best in the league at his position. MP clearly doesn’t want this player to leave.
However Player X Has his head turned by the promise of x2/3/4 wages and guaranteed trophies. He starts to grumble and make waves in the dressing room.

This obviously creates disharmony and goes against what MP has created. MP then says, off you go. You can be sold.

Maybe I’m just been pedantic here but I could still see this situation being engineered by a player and the club ultimately selling a class player, that say 6 months prior would never have been on a ‘to sell’ list but now as a technicality almost MP is ok with selling.

Hopefully a trophy this season and next will nail everything down.

Great post btw
This. Another way of saying it would be "any player that Poch doesn't want here will be moved on".

Hats off to Levy though for turning us into what we are now. Honestly couldn't want for a better chairman IMHO.
 

bubble07

Well-Known Member
Dec 27, 2004
22,959
29,896
This no player will be sold if Poch doesn't want them sold is almost bs. Lets say Alderweireld wants to stay and Poch wants him to stay. But Spurs cant match is salary. Toby is then upset and naturally shows his disappointment during training etc. Poch will then want him gone for that reason
 

spursfan77

Well-Known Member
Aug 13, 2005
46,680
104,956
This is quite big news? So we dont need a naming rights partner for the stadium to open. There's not much rush then by the sounds of things.

MG asked for an update on naming rights. Many had been expecting an announcement now the stadium was progressing.
DL explained that the stadium financing was not conditional on selling naming rights. THFC are in discussions but they will only contract when they are satisfied with the price, the tenure and the counterparty.
DMC assured that the number required for commercials was in the business plan and the stadium financing meant it was not an essential for the stadium to open
Until such a time that a partner is found, the stadium will be referred to as Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
 

spursfan77

Well-Known Member
Aug 13, 2005
46,680
104,956
Very interested to know who they offer seats to first

This was posted on COYS back in January:

Got a little bit of intel over the weekend for the season ticket situation at the new stadium:

  1. The club is hoping to launch the season ticket renewal process before March;
  2. Season tickets will be allocated based on longevity of your existing season ticket - i.e. if you've been a season ticket holder for 15-20 years+, you will choose your season ticket seat before someone that has taken on a season ticket for the first time at Wembley;
  3. The club intends to allocate seats based on similar seating arrangements to Wembley/historic to WHL;
  4. Spurs will be attacking towards the South Stand in the second half next season;
  5. The stadium is on schedule. The club expects to play the first 3-4 games away from home but that could change and we could kick off the season as planned if timings work out
 

southlondonyiddo

My eyes have seen some of the glory..
Nov 8, 2004
12,599
15,012
The east stand prices will match the west stand prices!!!!

Very worrying for all those who have always sat in the east lower or stood on the shelf etc

This cannot be right. The same facilities are available in the east as the west blah blah blah

There will be many hundreds if not thousands of supporters who’ve always been in the east stand who will be priced out
Don’t like the sound of that at all
 

therhinospeaks

Well-Known Member
Dec 18, 2014
667
818
The east stand prices will match the west stand prices!!!!

Very worrying for all those who have always sat in the east lower or stood on the shelf etc

This cannot be right. The same facilities are available in the east as the west blah blah blah

There will be many hundreds if not thousands of supporters who’ve always been in the east stand who will be priced out
Don’t like the sound of that at all

Amazed anyone is surprised at this.
 

bubble07

Well-Known Member
Dec 27, 2004
22,959
29,896
This was posted on COYS back in January:

Got a little bit of intel over the weekend for the season ticket situation at the new stadium:

  1. The club is hoping to launch the season ticket renewal process before March;
  2. Season tickets will be allocated based on longevity of your existing season ticket - i.e. if you've been a season ticket holder for 15-20 years+, you will choose your season ticket seat before someone that has taken on a season ticket for the first time at Wembley;
  3. The club intends to allocate seats based on similar seating arrangements to Wembley/historic to WHL;
  4. Spurs will be attacking towards the South Stand in the second half next season;
  5. The stadium is on schedule. The club expects to play the first 3-4 games away from home but that could change and we could kick off the season as planned if timings work out

I guess that's fair enough. The 26,000 should have first dibs. I only just managed to get a ST this season though :(

But 17,000 took season tickets this year so how would they get selected? will it be done on who bought first which isn't as fair as in order of loyalty points
 

DogsOfWar

Well-Known Member
Jan 12, 2005
2,293
3,603
This is quite big news? So we dont need a naming rights partner for the stadium to open. There's not much rush then by the sounds of things.

MG asked for an update on naming rights. Many had been expecting an announcement now the stadium was progressing.
DL explained that the stadium financing was not conditional on selling naming rights. THFC are in discussions but they will only contract when they are satisfied with the price, the tenure and the counterparty.
DMC assured that the number required for commercials was in the business plan and the stadium financing meant it was not an essential for the stadium to open
Until such a time that a partner is found, the stadium will be referred to as Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

I always assumed we'd wait until after the American football game and a couple of concerts before really pushing. Once we've had that higher level of exposure we can justify a bigger number.
 
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