THST BOARD WEEKLY UPDATE

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR SUPPORTERS’ TRUST

Last 7 Days Update

19th August 2013

THST have been extremely busy in the past week, raising fans concerns with both the Club and the Premier Leaguearound our immediate campaign issues (Away Tickets, Loyalty Points, Balcony Banners, StubHub, Fan Groups,Away Travel).

Wins:

The Premier League has accepted THST’s call for all Away tickets to be offered to visiting clubs on a sale or return basic. Historically, 50% of allocations were available to clubs on a Sale or Return basis and 50% Sale only,hence clubs were inclined to take the smaller allocation. This should encourage clubs to take full allocations, meaning more tickets for fans. (The only condition now is that 50% of the ‘second’ allocation has to be sold).

THST also proposed to the Premier League that clubs must submit confirmation of all Away ticket pricing and allocations for the forthcoming season by early July, before any ticket windows open, to avoid fans applying for matches ‘blind’ without prices etc. The Premier League is taking this to the next Chairman’s meeting for a vote.

THST backed a proposal of Club and Trust representatives to end the categorisation of Away games, which result in the supporters of clubs at the top of the league, within the Category A bracket, consistently being charged top rates for Away tickets. This will be discussed at the next Premier League Chairman’s meeting.

Loyalty Points:

THST have responded to a large number of concerned and frustrated fans regarding the Season Ticket holders Loyalty Point readjustments. The four year cycle, introduced last summer, has seen some long term ST holders fail to qualify for tickets to the first two away games of the season.

THST have taken these concerns on board and are currently working hard with THFC to push on the actions from THST’s Loyalty Point meeting on 15th July once the season proper has started.

StubHub:

THST are continuing to monitor StubHub activities and have reminded THFC of their agreement to provide transactional data after each game this season. This data will provide THFC and THST with a greater understanding of StubHub’s advantages and disadvantages.

THST will monitor StubHub throughout the 2013/14 season.

Atmosphere/Fan Groups:

THST have arranged a joint meeting for 10th September to discuss ways to improve the atmosphere at WHL, without forcing anything ‘artificial’ on fans who may not want an all singing, all dancing match day!

Present at the meeting will be representatives from fan groups already active in this area (The Fighting Cock, Revive The Lane, Spurs Youth). Guest speakers will also be present, along with the representatives of the FootballSupporters Federation and, hopefully, from THFC, also.

Meanwhile, THST continue to liaise with fans and THFC to orchestrate the installation of fixed banners across the Park Lane and Paxton balconies this season.

Away Fans Survey:

During the past few weeks, THST have continued to push the “Away Fans Survey” on Twitter. Early findings from this survey have been passed onto THFC to enable them toassess the demand for any subsided travel to future Awaygames.

The Survey will run for another fortnight and, those who have not yet completed the survey, please do so. Link here:

http://svy.mk/13GF8vX

Stacy Mowle Appeal:

THST are currently organising an online auction for the Stacy Mowle appeal. Further details will follow asap.

Antwerp Arms:

The Antwerp Arms is Tottenham’s oldest pub and is under threat of closure. A community group have formed with the intention of taking ownership of the pub. A member of the THST Board sits on their committee and is advising with procedure around obtaining a feasibility study, initially.

THST have submitted a letter to Haringey Council backing The Antwerp Arms Association’s application to list the Antwerp Arms as an Asset of Community Value.

Premier League Away Fans Experience Workshop:

THST attended the Premier League Away Fans Experience Workshop, at the invitation of THFC, at Cardiff City Stadium on 9th August. Details of the workshop will be published in a post later this month.

End.

Revised information for Palace Away 18/8/2013

REVISED

Hi Katrina,

My name is Furhad Zaidi I'm one of the board members of the CPST. I thought I would provide a quick guide on how to get to Selhurst Park and places to drink for your supporters.

Selhurst Park is served by three main stations: Norwood Junction, Thornton Heath and Selhurst

Thornton Heath and Selhurst (on the same line) - Trains from Victoria

Norwood Junction - Trains from East Croydon, London Bridge and now also connected by the new(ish) London Overground network. 

Thornton Heath

There aren't any pubs which are solely designated for away fans. Thornton Heath seems to be a decent bet with Flora Sandes, The Railway Telegraph and The Thomas Farley being pubs that are happy to welcome away fans. Most pubs will be opening in the morning to due to the early kick off (please check).

Norwood Junction

The William Stanley is the only pub which is open to all fans. The Cherry Trees have had a sign outside in the past stating home fans only. The Portmanor is now the new home of the Holmesdale Fanatics and is one pub to avoid for away fans.

What I would advise your fans is the following:

1. Aim to get to Selhurst Park for around1pm. Despite Palace and Tottenham having no issues in the past its still a London derby so there will be a heavyish Police presence with possible checks going into the stadium (by stewards).

2. Beer and food can be purchased from inside the stadium as well. So to alleviate the rush around the Thornton Heath and South Norwood pubs, some fans may want to go straight to the ground.

3. It also might be a good idea for some fans to get off at Forest Hill (one of the stops before Sydenham and drink at the local JD Wetherspoons Pub called the Capitol. The staff at the Capitol have reliably informed me that they will be opening at 9am. They will be less busy and fans will be more likely to get served quicker. Forest Hill is roughly 10 minutes away from Norwood Junction station on the London Overground network.

Here's hoping for a great game to start the season.

All the best

Furhad  

Pub Advice for Crystal Palace Away 18/8/2013

Our friends at CPST (the Palace Trust) have provided us with details on where to drink before Sundays big kick off.

"Hi Katrina,

My name is Furhad Zaidi I'm one of the board members of the CPST and look after our Twitter account with my colleague Liz Wells. 140 characters isn't enough to convey a message so I thought I would provide a quick low down on how to get to Selhurst Park and places to drink.

Three main stations: Thornton Heath and Selhurst (on the same line) - Trains from Victoria

Norwood Junction - Trains from East Croydon, London Bridge and now also connected by the new(ish) London Overground network. 

Thornton Heath

There aren't any pubs which are solely designated for away fans. Thornton Heath seems to be a decent bet with Flora Sandes, The Railway Telegraph and The Thomas Farley being pubs that are happy to welcome away fans.

Norwood Junction

The William Stanley is the only pub which is open to all fans. The Cherry Trees have had a sign outside in the past stating home fans only. The Portmanor is now the new home of the Holmesdale Fanatics and is one pub to avoid for away fans.

What I would advise your fans is the following:

1. Aim to get to Selhurst Park for around1pm. Despite Palace and Tottenham having no issues in the past its still a London derby so there will be a heavyish Police presence with possible checks going into the stadium by stewards.

2. Beer and food can be purchased from inside the stadium as well. So to alleviate the rush around the Thornton Heath and Norwood pubs some fans may want to go straight to the ground.

3. It also might be a good idea for some fans to get off at Forest Hill (one of the stops before Sydenham and drink at the local JD Wetherspoons Pub called the Capitol or the Hob. They will be less busy and fans will be more likely to get served quicker. Forest Hill is 10 minutes away from Norwood Junction station.

All in all it will be a good occasion.

All the best

Furhad "