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Harry Redknapp says he could have won the Premier League title with Spurs if they had invested more money at the right time.

 

The 67-year-old was in the White Hart Lane hotseat from 2008-12, taking over when Tottenham were bottom of the league and guiding them to two fourth-placed finishes and a Champions League quarter-final in 2011.

 

Having cracked the top four, Redknapp believes the addition of another striker could have helped turn the Lilywhites into genuine title contenders and was ‘choked’ to say goodbye in June 2012.

 

Speaking exclusively in free digi-mag the FourFourTwo Football Weekly, Redknapp says: “I think I could have actually won the league at Tottenham. If we had invested more at the right time, we could have done it. We were probably short of a striker.

 

“I know the reasons why [things didn’t work out], but they are personal. I enjoyed my time there, and to be honest I was choked when I had to leave.

 

“But I couldn’t sit at home and sulk about it. It is life, it happens. They did what they wanted to do, but they haven’t been in the top four since me. I finished in the top four twice in three years.”

 

The current QPR boss, who guided the R’s back to the Premier League via the play-offs last season, lists former Spurs star Gareth Bale among the players whose rise to the top he has taken the most satisfaction from seeing.

 

Redknapp was in charge of Spurs for four of Bale’s six seasons in north London before the Welsh international joined Real Madrid for £85.3 million and scored the winner in the 2014 Champions League final.

 

“Bale would be up there,” says Harry. “He was struggling at Tottenham; there was that record where he hadn’t been on a winning team for something like 28 games (ed: it was 24). Then suddenly he took off, and he has become an amazing player, one of the top four in the world.

 

“I have an obvious pride in all the West Ham boys, seeing Rio Ferdinand coming out of Peckham and doing so well, and the best professional I have ever seen is Frank Lampard."

 

gordon-ramsay-money-trouble.gif

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This is the guy who spent 30mil on crouch and defoe ffs

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Jan>>>

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  • 4 weeks later...

SO ade is saying his mum and sister are performing juju against him ?

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Ade has destroyed our club

 

Rinsed our finances.  Only plays when he wants to so Levy doesn't believe in buying a new striker as he's performing 

 

Kills 90% of attacks

 

Gets put through clean every game he's played in but his first touch must be bottom 3 in the league

 

Guy is our vice captain

 

Blames the fans 'cause he's not playing well (This guy is our top earner and alongside Kaboul our worst player)

 

Now blames Juju on him being shit

 

GTFO

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THST/THFC Board to Board Meeting Minutes

22/11/2014

Picture

Tottenham Hotspur Supporters’ Trust

Tottenham Hotspur Football Club

Board to Board Meeting

Thursday 20 November 2014

Tottenham Hotspur, Hotspur Way, Enfield, EN2 9AP

18:00 to 21:45

THST

Katrina Law, Secretary

Adam Bailey, Treasurer

Ellie Kershaw

Suraj Sharma

Paul Head

Martin Cloake

Apologies: Darren Howlett, Chairman

THFC

Daniel Levy, Chairman

Donna Cullen, Executive Director

Sue Tilling, Safety Officer

Ian Murphy, Head of Ticketing & Membership

Jonathan Waite, Customer Service & SLO

Opening

THST opened up the meeting by thanking THFC for their time and reaffirming it had been a difficult few weeks for those connected with the Club

There were definite issues with communications and transparency between the Club and their supporters resulting in mistrust and anger. Fans felt they were being kept in the dark on key issues

The growing disconnect between the fan base and the Club was also flagged with THST being told repeatedly that fans have never felt as distant from the Club as they do now

THST stressed that this was an opportunity for THFC to get their message across in a constructive way

THST acknowledged that this was a high profile meeting and stressed we will be reporting back to our members and the wider fan base

Off the record conversations were off limits as THST had to abide by the transparency called for from THFC

THFC responded that it was pleased the meeting was happening at this time and would seek to answer questions as fully as possible. The agenda for the meeting had been shaped by questions from members

1. Stadium/ Northumberland Development Project

THFC had prepared a detailed presentation for this agenda point, which was discussed at length

The magnitude of this project was stressed. The last private sector stadium to be built in England was the Emirates. THFC said the challenge it faced was immense

There was an acknowledgment from THFC that a bigger stadium was absolutely crucial to help Spurs to move into the bracket occupied by the top 5. In terms of stadium size, WHL is the 10th largest in the Premier League. In terms of revenue, THFC currently rank 6th in the Premier League with the 6th highest wage bill. Of the largest 20 clubs in the world, THFC has the smallest stadium

The impact of Financial Fair Play means that revenues have to be increased in order to compete regularly. As an illustration, THFC’s match day revenue currently stand at £1m compared to Arsenal’s £3m, so the need to build a larger capacity stadium was clear

Regarding the outstanding CPO on Archway Steel, THFC said all efforts had been made to reach agreement with the Josif family over the past 12 years. Deals had been agreed only for them to be rejected at the last minute. Their intention was to cause delay. The Club said it has relocated over 70 businesses amicably but has been unable to accommodate Archway. Archway were now challenging the legality of the CPO in order to cause further delay. The High Court appeal is scheduled for 15/16 January 2015

THST questioned whether the amount of money needed to buy out Archway Steel was significant when considered against the effect of delays and loss of revenue that failure to reach agreement had caused. THFC reiterated that this was not a straightforward matter of paying an excessive amount

THST questioned why WHL couldn’t be redeveloped to increase capacity. THFC confirmed that this option had been explored. Reasons for rejecting it included the fact that the maximum capacity for a redeveloped WHL would only be 40,000. Construction would take 3-4 seasons with capacity reduced by 8,000 seats during the build phase. There were further restrictions owing to the proximity of the stadium to surrounding roads etc. It was too small an increase in capacity (4,000), compromised size and did not justify the cost or satisfy the need for a greater capacity

THFC referenced a consultation undertaken in 2008 where redevelopment of the existing stadium was effectively ruled out

THST asked for clarity on why it appeared to be no longer possible to play at WHL during construction of the new stadium, as indicated in the plans approved by Haringey Council in 2010

Many reasons were cited with the most material being the level of risk associated with construction and the length of the build programme which would impact on banks’ confidence in the project. When the project was originally proposed in 2007, banks were less risk averse. The recession had resulted in banks becoming more risk averse

THFC stressed that moving away for a season was not a cheap or easy option – in part because of rent costs associated with sharing a stadium - and was not something they wanted to do. But the Club felt it has to move

THST voiced concerns over the current mood of the local community, where support for the NDP has been replaced by confusion, an element of mistrust and worry. THFC stressed their commitment to the N17 community and were in agreement with 7 out of 10 points on the Our Tottenham group’s charter

THST questioned the Section 106 agreements post the Olympic Stadium bid. THFC reaffirmed their commitment to the community, not only through the 75 projects run by the Foundation, but also with the provision of education (new University Technical College, primary school, university degrees through the Foundation) and employment support and creation

It was also stressed that the High Road West regeneration (station and walkway) was a Haringey Council scheme and not a THFC initiative. It was agreed that further discussion around this was needed. The Club had responded to the consultation being run by the Council

THFC indicated that the impact to local traders of moving out for a season would be mitigated by the hundreds of construction workers on site 7 days a week, hence footfall would be greater than it is currently

The Club has used the time during the CPO process to continually review and consider improvements to the design of the stadium but has made no decision on whether to seek to make any changes to the permitted plans and would consult as always should the need arise

There was an acknowledgement from THFC that communications could have been better regarding the stadium. There was an element of them being ‘too close’ to the project and a level of presumed knowledge. That was recognised as a misjudgement. The Club reiterated that it always sought to provide as much information as possible but would ensure going forward that it would not assume existing knowledge and would make the fullest possible statements. The Club stressed that it always acted in the best interests of THFC and was prepared to take criticism for not communicating if indeed to do so would compromise the Club’s best interests. It hoped that fans would understand this

There was an acknowledgement from THST that there were inevitably commercial sensitivities that would mean it was not possible to share information as fully as the Trust would like, but that there was a strong feeling that ‘commercial sensitivity’ had been used too readily in the past. THST reiterated it was not its intention to create problems for a development fans supported

2. Ground share

Having covered the reasoning for needing to move away from WHL for a season, THFC outlined the options for alternative venues. These were Upton Park, Olympic Stadium, Wembley and Stadium MK

Discussions are at various levels with stadium owners

THST reiterated their opposition to a move to Stadium MK, a stance based on location, travel costs, loss of club identity and association with franchise football

THFC stressed the need to keep all options open at this time

THST asked for assurances fans would be fully consulted once discussions had progressed

THST also requested a Season Ticket amnesty during any period away from WHL and THFC confirmed this was being explored, along with assisted travel packages

There was a recognition that a ground share was far from ideal, and that if you’re a Tottenham fan, you want to stay in Tottenham

THST asked for reassurances any period away from WHL would be for one season only. THFC confirmed that this is the plan whilst acknowledging that delays could occur with a construction project of this size

3. Club blueprint/ vision

THFC had again prepared visuals to explain their philosophy and aims, which were to establish THFC as one of the world’s leading clubs distinguished by success on the pitch, a large and loyal fan base and a sustainable business off field

THST asked for ENIC’s long term commitment to THFC, as further takeover rumours had been circulating. There was confirmation that no talks were on-going and ENIC were not seeking interests, having been here for 14 years already. However, given the wider shareholder base there was a duty to consider should anything arise

Again, FFP was referenced and THST flagged the need for further information to be given to fans on this area, where there was a belief this wouldn’t be implemented and there were loop holes that could be exploited. THFC stressed both the PL and UEFA had FFP rules and there was little scope to manoeuvre here

In terms of short term strategy, THFC explained that funds were available at the end of the season to spend on players. Obviously, should the Club progress in various cup competitions or finish higher up the league, this amount would increase, along with any other monies from player trading

This meant development of younger players through the academy and projects such as the new stadium was vital in order to compete

THFC stated £180m net had been spent on players in the past 13 years, along with £110m on the NDP and £60m on the Training Centre. Once again it was underlined how critical the new stadium was to the future ambitions of the Club

4. Club structure/ player recruitment strategy

Relating to the Director of Football role, THFC pointed to Southampton, Manchester City and Chelsea all working to this model

THFC confirmed that player recruitment was a collaborative process where the Head Coach would identify the positions where cover was needed. The D of F and scouting team would then provide names from which the Head Coach would make his final choice

THST raised the recent appointment of Paul Mitchell from Southampton. THFC declined to comment as Mr Mitchell remained a Southampton employee at this point in time

THST questioned the balance of players being purchased. Successful teams in the past had had a mix of flair players and uncompromising, gritty players. The latter was, in THST’s opinion, lacking at present

There was backing for Mauricio Pochettino from both THST members and THFC, who felt confident in his ability as a coach and one who believed in the philosophy of the Club

THFC referenced it was early days for Pochettino. The summer had been truncated by the World Cup and it would take time to establish his style of play

Owing to the meeting taking place mid season, THFC were cautious of commenting on matters on field, a stance which THST respected

5. Ticketing

THST acknowledged the freeze on ST and match day prices for this season but expressed disappointment that the price points that could be moved, had been i.e. cup games

The 25% increase in UEL pricing was raised by THST as a factor in lower attendances this season. THST sought assurances that this would be taken into consideration when agreeing pricing for the rounds of 32 and 16, should Spurs progress, and for next season’s UEL matches, should Spurs qualify

THFC confirmed this had been heard and would be considered, while making the point that ticket pricing was not the only factor affecting attendances

THST also asked for all Gold and Platinum members to be emailed in advance of autopay runs for cup games. This was agreed by THFC

THST also raised booking fees, in particular on Multi Game Packages, where the charging of booking fees per game was felt to be grossly unfair. THFC confirmed talks are underway with Ticketmaster and booking fees would be discusse

THST reiterated their position on the StubHub partnership, which is opposed on the grounds that a resale facility should be a service and not a revenue generator. THST urged THFC not to renew the contract, which is due to expire in May 2015 and confirmed they are in discussions with providers around an ethical exchange scheme, which will be passed onto the Club

THFC stated that the StubHub deal was a commercial one and that commercial revenue was vital owing to FFP, but they would review. The amendments in respect of flipping and pricing levels were acknowledged as positive outcomes of the dialogue

6. Real Madrid Partnership

THST asked THFC to clarify the details of the special relationship and how this benefitted Tottenham

THFC explained how the original partnership had revolved around access to younger players. This required buy in and co-operation between both sets of coaching staff, which hadn’t transpired

There had been an exchange of information on the marketing and commercial side previously

DL maintained a good relationship with President Perez and this conversation may be reopened in the future

THFC confirmed that in terms of tangible benefits, the partnership was not active

7. AOB

THST flagged the frequency of Sunday 1.30pm kick offs and questioned whether this was down to managerial choice. THFC stated that kick off times were solely down to TV scheduling both in the UK and globally and this would be discussed with BT Sport, Sky and other broadcasters shortly

The decline in atmosphere was discussed. THST confirmed the surfing flag was due for imminent delivery. There was backing from the THFC Board for the Drum, which had returned for the Asteras match and was also welcomed at COC matches, alongside UEL games

THST stressed that the crowd needed a spark on field to react to as much as the players needed crowd support. Whilst booing during a match or singling out an individual player was felt to be counter-productive, THST defended the fans’ right to express dissatisfaction at the final whistle

THST stated that fans don’t boo losing. They boo the manner of the performance

THFC acknowledged that full capacity stadiums were needed to create a good atmosphere also

Questions were raised by THST around THFC’s flag policy and, in particular, the removal of the #LevyOut protest banner at the Stoke City match. THFC stated this had caused disagreement amongst fans with contrary views who did not agree with the banner and had thus been removed. THST questioned this as a legitimate reason, drawing attention to protests articulated by other fans at other clubs without significant conflict breaking out and putting the view that fans had a right to express their opinions. THFC maintained its position that the guiding principle was removing anything which caused an issue in the stands

THST suggested THFC better articulate their flag policy as there was confusion around this. THFC reiterated their policy of refusing entry to any flags of a political or religious nature or anything with content likely to cause offence. Their opinion being watching football should be about supporting the team as opposed to displaying political affinities

THST asked a member’s question around Benoit Assou-Ekotto. THFC confirmed he was still under contract and remained on the payroll. He was not training with the first team and is not included in the 25 man squad for this season

THST asked whether THFC would consider organising a testimonial for Michael Dawson. This is something we’re pleased to report is being discussed

The meeting concluded at 9.45pm.

Appendix

A Selection of slides presented to THST.

Picture

Picture

WHITE HART LANE REDEVELOPMENT

Reasons redevelopment of existing stadium was ruled out

Final Capacity cannot exceed 40,000

Non UEFA size pitch in final stadium

Costly phased construction over 3 to 4 seasons

Reductions in capacity during construction (at least 8,000)

Significant construction costs for limited growth

Small increase not a game changer for club ambitions

Rationale for moving out for one season

A phased handover had been originally planned in order to avoid the necessity to move away for one season. This has been exhaustively reviewed and reconsidered.

The Club has been working hard to deliver a new stadium which will be a best in class supporter experience and exceptional home ground for the team. Given the choice of playing in a half-built stadium (WHL with one stand removed, new stadium with one stand incomplete), or playing in a different stadium for one whole season, the coaching staff were firmly of the opinion that they would prefer to move away and have good facilities, good atmosphere and consistent surroundings.

A further, key concern, and one which has arisen and increased with time, is the associated risk that the phased construction represents. It is an ambitious and largely untried build programme that was borne out of our over-riding desire to remain at the Lane whilst the new stadium was built. We would be a rare example of a new stadium being built on the same site.

In our discussions on optimum financing packages it has become clear that banks, who are far more risk averse now than they might have been 5 years ago, consider the risks associated with the phased building scheme to be high.

The decision was not taken lightly and has been taken in the interests of delivering the stadium in a timely , secure manner. We understand that it will cause inconvenience and difficulties for some supporters, but we hope that it is considered worth while given the end product we all desire – our own, world class new stadium on the site of our original home in Tottenham.

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all this guys knows is  nw, eminem -my word 

 

bro stop 

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some jarring c*nt

/

that report is disgusting club is run by cunts and clowns

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So archways burnt down this morning :lol:

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How convenient

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Levy the don :lol:

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"It's not a surprise to see Archway burning. Spurs have been throwing matches at home all season."

 

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Levy the don :lol:

 

You might wanna change your username fam.

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pochs whip >>

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What happened to the room?

 

Y'all get downgraded?

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