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THST/THFC Board to Board Meeting - 28 February 2017

Hotspur1978

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Mar 8, 2007
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Tottenham Hotspur Supporters’ Trust
Tottenham Hotspur Football Club
Board to Board Meeting

Minutes and ReportTuesday 28 February 2017
Tottenham Hotspur Football & Athletic Co Ltd, Lilywhite House, 6pm

THST Board:
Martin Cloake, Co-chair
Katrina Law, Co-chair
Martin Buhagiar
Rachel Martin

THFC Board:
Daniel Levy, Chairman
Donna Cullen, Executive Director
Sue Tilling, Senior Safety Officer
Ian Murphy, Head of Ticketing & Membership
Jonathan Waite, Head of Supporter Services

1. Outstanding action points from last meeting on 19 September
• JW to confirm arrangements for meeting with the caterers at the Man City match - done
• IM to update THST on internal discussions around concessionary areas in home ballots - done
• IM to update THST with decision on whether to split North /South stand in home ballots - done
• THST to explore finding a sponsor to subsidise away travel – no progress
• Discussion on an Amnesty for Season Ticket holders at Wembley deferred to the next meeting of the two boards
• THST to assist with Club comms re: early arrival at Wembley for remaining UCL matches – done
• DC to contact RS at the PL re: DCMS definition of rail seating - done

2. White Hart Lane and next season
Latest on new stadium build
• MB asked if the stadium build was on schedule. DL said it was always the case with schemes of this size that some areas were ahead and some behind. This was part of the ebb and flow of a complex project.
• DL stated this was the most complex private build project in Europe at this time so this was to be expected
• DL remained focused on the stadium being completed on time, ready for the start of the 2018/19 season in August 2018

WNSL application to Brent Council
• MB asked for further information on the application to remove the current maximum capacity events cap at Wembley lodged by Wembley National Stadium Limited (WNSL) with Brent Council last month. DC explained why THFC wanted the option of operating a full capacity venue for every match at Wembley. This was about atmosphere. And THFC want to create the best environment for football
• DC also explained how THFC will look at extra mitigation measures for the local community should the application be successful. THFC has already delivered some very successful community initiatives for Brent over this season and would look to expand this further
• MC asked why this application had been lodged so, seemingly, late in the day. DL stressed this was not the Club’s application. It was WNSL’s application, as were the timings. A decision is due to be made on 23 March.

Timeline for Wembley decision and fan communication
• KL asked when the Club would be making a decision on Wembley for next season. DL explained there are a number of factors associated with the move adding that once the Board takes the final decision to move away for one season everything ‘must be right’. That decision will mean the demolition of White Hart Lane so there is no margin for error. DL said the move was like a jigsaw with a number of pieces needing to come together (construction timetable/ public sector works/stadium financing). DL said the decision will be taken as late as possible so as to minimise the chances of making the wrong call.
• KL asked what Plan B was should the Club not move to Wembley for next season. DL insisted all planning is towards playing fixtures at Wembley next season but there is a need to plan for all eventualities should any major issues arise, which would mean another year at White Hart Lane before moving to Wembley for the 2018/19 season. THFC will not move away for two years so all conditions must be right before they make the call to move this summer
• DL acknowledged the inconvenience this would cause to fans and the Club’s staff but stressed it was important to get this right

Fan migration, Season Tickets and pricing structure
• KL asked for an update on current Season Ticket renewal plans and the fan migration to Wembley and then back to the new stadium. IM said talks were ongoing with the THFC Board with a further meeting due tomorrow (Wednesday) to discuss the various scenarios
• On migration, IM said that the current thinking was to move existing ST holders in blocks and provide a period for season ticket holders to accept their suggested seats or to choose another if this did not suit them. Blocks would be moved into areas as closely comparable to the current layout as possible. Away fans would be in the area where visiting fans were positioned for UEFA matches. This is down to police advice, segregation requirements and the capacity to increase the away area for cup games
• KL asked how the offer of season tickets at Wembley and the new stadium to Bronze members on the waiting list would be constructed
• There was some discussion on alternatives being considered which demonstrated all possible options were being explored
• DL and IM asked that discussion be deferred as the Club Board was currently in the process of considering options and it was premature to discuss further at this time. Date to be scheduled for mid April

Coach travel to away matches
• RM asked, with the Club potentially playing at Wembley next season, where the coaches for away games would be departing from? White Hart Lane or elsewhere? JW said discussions were continuing with TFL and Thomas Cook Sport (TCS) and the Club was looking at alternative pick-up areas in N17, N19, N9 and EN1. This would be communicated as soon as more information was available. The current arrangement cannot be sustained next year due to limited space and extended controlled parking zones around the stadium

Commemorating White Hart Lane
• MB asked for details of plans to commemorate White Hart Lane and the final game at the current stadium. DC explained that, while it was yet to be confirmed as the last game, plans were in place for the lead up to the Manchester United match so that all was prepared. The programme had been written. The book, The Lane, was on sale from booksellers and directly from the Club. There would be a call for fans to share memories starting with an 82 year old fan's recollections next week. A comprehensive documentary is being produced. A campaign identity has been agreed. All channels have been tied in. Fans are sending in ideas and thoughts and it would be a collaborative celebration
• DC confirmed that a team was in place for delivering an appropriate farewell ceremony
• The time and date for this match was yet to be confirmed which would determine certain aspects of the ceremony
• DC explained there were also plans for a time capsule and fans would be asked what they felt should be included in that.
• Fans should email [email protected] with their thoughts and memories
• It was the current intention that a selection of seats would be available for purchase after the final game at the Lane

3. New Stadium
Update on premium sales
• KL asked for an update on Premium sales. Were they selling well? DL stated the take up was better than expected, with many of those on the ST waiting list choosing to purchase Premium seats. Over 50% of the 8,000 available have now been sold
• KL asked for clarification as to where these seats were located after being contacted by existing West Stand ST holders concerned they would not be able to sit in an equivalent GA seat in the new stadium. IM explained that some of the East and West central sections will be Premium seating areas but that there was so much more choice in the new stadium that it was not possible to offer any direct comparison with the current ground. There were more levels with more central areas available and some would be GA, some would be Premium
• DC said there would be more choice available for supporters. DL said the stadium is significantly larger with Premium seating in certain areas but more GA choices elsewhere
• KL asked that THFC articulate this clearly to fans currently sitting in those central blocks of the East and West as soon as they are ready to go out with the GA offer, explain the different offerings and why this experience will be different and offer much more choice. Fans are likely to be concerned, as details and plans for the GA sections have yet to be released, so they are working on limited knowledge right now

Timelines for GA communication
• MC said supporters had expressed concern that the Club appeared to be communicating information solely about Premium seating but not the general admission offer. DL said it was important to undertake the sale of Premium seats first and that the Club would look to communicate GA options and sales towards the end of the year
• He added pricing on GA tickets would not be influenced by corporate seat sales
• MC and KL expressed the hope that the need to pay for the new stadium would be balanced with recognition of the financial contribution fans had already made
• KL acknowledged DL’s commitment to ensuring families and younger adults could afford to attend matches and underlined the point that pricing needed to be accessible for them
• It was hoped the Club would be able to provide more information at the next meeting

Finance, naming rights and ancillary projects
• MB asked if all of the financing was in place to complete the stadium build. DL stated that the funds would come from different sources and that the cost of the stadium was now estimated circa £800m
• MC asked about the leaked email to Haringey Council, published in the Evening Standard last week, in which the Club was critical of the public sector support. DL said the Club was the only party to have delivered on their commitments thus far
• MC said that, while this was the first time the Trust had received no questions on transfer activity in the run-up to a B2B meeting, an interview in the media with Mauricio Pochettino in the last few days prompted some clarification. The manager had said the Club’s ability to compete in the transfer market would be constrained by the new stadium project, and MC pointed out that the Club line had always been that transfer funds would be ring-fenced
• MC asked if it was true to say that, while transfer funds would be ring-fenced, the amount that could be ring-fenced was, by definition, smaller than what could be ring-fenced if the stadium project did not need to be financed. DL said funds were available and it was always the case given the finances of the Club that we had to be realistic in the transfer market whilst still supporting the squad
• MB asked whether THFC would consider keeping White Hart Lane in the name of the new stadium e.g. The Sony Stadium at White Hart Lane. DL explained that would not be possible as it would have a commercial impact on any naming rights deal and Tottenham Hotspur is an integral part of the heritage of the area and Club is creating a new destination
• MB asked how far naming rights discussions were down the line. DL said that, rather like finding a shirt sponsor, it was about finding the right company with the right brand that were the right fit for THFC at the right time. THFC is talking to a number of companies at the moment but there is no timetable to sign a deal as yet
• MB asked when the Club would like to have a deal in place. DC reiterated that it was not unusual for naming rights to be agreed nearer the completion of a build programme

Ancillary projects – White Hart Lane station and infrastructure
• MB asked for an update on the station rebuild. DL responded that the work was behind schedule but THFC believed the station would be functioning if not fully fitted out by August 2018. The Club is pressing TfL for timings
• MB asked for the latest on potentially renaming White Hart Lane station. DL and DC said discussions were still ongoing
• KL asked DC to keep her informed as to the timings, especially the public consultation period, for any proposals
• Regarding other transport issues, JW met with Abellio last week to explore options for Park and Ride schemes for the new stadium and will feed back once information is available

Safe standing
• MC thanked DC for contacting Premier League Chief Executive, Richard Scudamore, after the last meeting in September and asked if the Club would be prepared to be part of a pan-PL approach advocating the introduction of safe standing areas this summer. DC and DL asked if this could be discussed at a later meeting when the issue has been discussed within the League
• DC said Richard Scudamore was not surprised the Club had contacted him about safe standing and believed it had moved up the PL agenda after the Club had agreed to THST’s request to raise it.

Catering
• RM asked, following the news that Levy Restaurants (no relation) had been awarded a ten-year contract, how they would convince fans that they had any intention of delivering a better service than is currently offered to GA supporters? JW asked for examples of any issues and RM said she would provide them. The Trust had taken the time to meet Levy Restaurants but nothing tangible had been actioned so far
• DL was very clear that he expected improvements to be implemented promptly. RM asked if a meeting could be arranged with Levy Restaurants (no relation) so regular discussions could take place. DL said this was a good idea and was keen to establish a productive working relationship. DL said in the new stadium the catering would work in a different way – it would be a service not a profit stream. He stressed the Club did not want to see fans being ripped off.
• RM also acknowledged the positive news that local producers would be included in the offerings at the new stadium

London Living Wage
RM asked for clarification that THFC was paying all staff the London Living Wage. DC confirmed that all employees working within their London-based operations are paid, as a minimum, the London Living Wage or equivalent remuneration
• DC confirmed the Club has also participated in positive discussions with its main third party suppliers, and has a commitment from them to move towards paying their full time staff the London Living Wage

4. Ticket exchange for 2017/18
• KL noted the StubHub deal was due to expire in May and asked what the Club would be doing about the ticket exchange system from then onwards. KL reiterated the negative view of some supporters towards StubHub and stated that, with the Club playing in a potential 90,000 capacity stadium next season, the ticket market would be fundamentally altered. She reiterated the need for supporters to have a platform to exchange tickets
• KL said the Trust favoured taking the exchange back in house, where it could be tailored according to circumstances and would give THFC complete control
• IM said StubHub was under contract until May and no decision will be taken until the end of that period
• DL added this was part of the wider ticketing conversation to be completed in a few weeks’ time

5. AOB
• ST to brief THST on police approach and plans for the Millwall game ahead of the FA Cup Quarter Final
• ST/ JW to arrange a pre meet with the police and WHU ahead of the away match at West Ham United
• JW to confirm dates for pre meet with AST, AFC and the police ahead of the home North London Derby
• ST to confirm when in May the next formal meeting of Haringey Safety Advisory Group will be held. MC to attend as THST rep
• JW to follow up with KF of THST regarding the bucket collection for Prostate Cancer UK ahead of the Southampton match - DONE
• IM confirmed that loyalty points for Gent at Wembley would be credited to accounts on Weds 1 March - DONE
• JW to confirm whether a chartered train is possible for the away Premier League match at Swansea ahead of the application window closing on Monday. Or IM to explore extending the application period

Action Points
1. Deferred discussion on how the Season Ticket waiting list will be handled for the season at Wembley until IM has presented scenarios to the THFC Board. IM to follow up with THST
2. Deferred discussion on an amnesty for existing Season Ticket holders for the season at Wembley until IM has presented scenarios to the THFC Board. IM to follow up with THST
3. JW to confirm arrangements for away coach pick up point(s) next season once finalised
4. DC to oversee Club communications re: appealing for fan input for the time capsule and wider commemoration of White Hart Lane
5. DC to keep THST informed as to the timings around proposals for White Hart Lane station, specifically the public consultation period
6. Further discussion on Safe standing deferred to the next meeting of the Board
7. JW to liaise with Levy Restaurants to secure a regular meeting with the opportunity for genuine input with THST. RM leading this for the Trust - DONE
8. Discussion on the ticket exchange from May 2017 onwards deferred until the next meeting of the Boards
9. ST to liaise with FIO (Noel Deady) and confirm police approach to and plans for the Millwall cup match with MC / KL
10. JW to advise MC / KL as to arrangements for the pre meet with AST, AFC and the police ahead of the home NLD
11. ST / JW to schedule a pre meet for THST with police and WHU ahead of away match at the London Stadium
12. ST to confirm date for next formal meeting of Haringey SAG with MC
13. JW to confirm with KL whether a train will be running for Swansea away before the weekend. Alternative is to extend the application window past Monday. IM to consider and action if necessary
14. Next meeting to be arranged for mid-April to agree outstanding points following Brent Council decision re: Wembley. THST and THFC to liaise

The meeting concluded at 8.40pm.
Next meeting to be scheduled for April 2017.

http://www.thstofficial.com/thst-news/thstthfc-board-to-board-meeting-28-february-2017-report
 
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