Spurs’ new stadium

[Roachy]

The decision as to when the new stadium would be ready for proper use was left until the last possible moment. At the time that it was taken (middle of June), Levy was assured that the new stadium would be ready. And indeed it would have been (ready, that is......not completed) had there not been a monumental fuckup with safety systems wiring that only came to light two months later.

As you say, things can and do go wrong on major construction projects. But Levy is not the kind of man to act impulsively or take wild punts. That much should be obvious by now. He will only have made the original decision on the basis of long and careful consideration of of the best available information at the time. Nevertheless, even the best laid plans.......

Reading this thread (though not referring to your post, I hasten to add), you would think that Levy and Spurs were guilty of torturing puppies or eating babies, such is the level of outrage that the switch of date and venue has caused. Yet, as Crouchino said above, Levy and Spurs wanted this outcome less than anyone. I fully understand the worries about the pitch (which apply every bit as much to Spurs) and the inconvenience and cost to fans (which also applies to Spurs) but I'm not sure what realistic alternatives there were.

Some good points and I think everyone would agree that this is not what Spurs would have wanted. However, it's still a complete fiasco and City have 3 games impacted by this causing a lot of fans plenty of hassle. As for Levy I really don't think he is bothered in the slightest. The reason is because of the long term benefits of having that new stadium. In public it will be all apologies and well worded explanations. But in private I can assure you it will "tough shit, these things happen".

 

[gordondaviesmoustache]

The decision as to when the new stadium would be ready for proper use was left until the last possible moment. At the time that it was taken (middle of June), Levy was assured that the new stadium would be ready. And indeed it would have been (ready, that is......not completed) had there not been a monumental fuckup with safety systems wiring that only came to light two months later.

As you say, things can and do go wrong on major construction projects. But Levy is not the kind of man to act impulsively or take wild punts. That much should be obvious by now. He will only have made the original decision on the basis of long and careful consideration of of the best available information at the time. Nevertheless, even the best laid plans.......

Reading this thread (though not referring to your post, I hasten to add), you would think that Levy and Spurs were guilty of torturing puppies or eating babies, such is the level of outrage that the switch of date and venue has caused. Yet, as Crouchino said above, Levy and Spurs wanted this outcome less than anyone. I fully understand the worries about the pitch (which apply every bit as much to Spurs) and the inconvenience and cost to fans (which also applies to Spurs) but I'm not sure what realistic alternatives there were.

You must surely accept, that the ultimate responsibility rests with Levy.

(I'm not sure your use of the term "long and careful consideration" would bear much objective scrutiny btw)

 

[JimB]

Come off it mate, there's a difference between a change of day and going up to Wembley for Spurs fans and the cost and time involved for City fans. People had already booked travel and accommodation, while making it Monday evening ruled out a fair old chunk of people planning to go.

As to what could have been done, there weren't great solutions on offer, but it shouldn't have been City who had to offer to refund out of pocket fans, Spurs could have done it. They didn't have to, but they could have.

Since they left it to City to do, the conclusion is clearly that Spurs couldn't give a flying fuck about the problems they've caused. And Spurs fans ought to be embarrassed by that.

For the majority of Spurs fans, agreed. But there will have been a large number of Spurs fans who were proposing to travel to the game from all over the UK and from abroad - probably as many as, or possibly even more than, there will be City fans travelling from Manchester. As to why Spurs didn't offer to pay travel costs for City fans, I would guess that that was at least in part because, unlike City, Spurs couldn't make that offer to 3000 City fans without also making it to 70,000+ Spurs fans.

 

[Henkeman]

For the majority of Spurs fans, agreed. But there will have been a large number of Spurs fans who were proposing to travel to the game from all over the UK and from abroad - probably as many as, or possibly even more than, there will be City fans travelling from Manchester. As to why Spurs didn't offer to pay travel costs for City fans, I would guess that that was at least in part because, unlike City, Spurs couldn't make that offer to 3000 City fans without also making it to 70,000+ Spurs fans.

Not so. There's various ways of getting around that and making a gesture. Slashing the price of the away tickets, paying for the coaches that are organised for those coming - all ways of making at least an effort toward recognising the inconvenience to the away club who are entirely blameless. There's more than one way to skin a cat to reach the desired outcome. Spurs have offered various packages to their own supporters, and told the away fans to foxtrot oscar. They did not have to do anything legally of course, and they chose not to, as is their right. And people can judge them for it.

 

[Marvin]

The decision as to when the new stadium would be ready for proper use was left until the last possible moment. At the time that it was taken (middle of June), Levy was assured that the new stadium would be ready. And indeed it would have been (ready, that is......not completed) had there not been a monumental fuckup with safety systems wiring that only came to light two months later.

As you say, things can and do go wrong on major construction projects. But Levy is not the kind of man to act impulsively or take wild punts. That much should be obvious by now. He will only have made the original decision on the basis of long and careful consideration of of the best available information at the time. Nevertheless, even the best laid plans.......

Reading this thread (though not referring to your post, I hasten to add), you would think that Levy and Spurs were guilty of torturing puppies or eating babies, such is the level of outrage that the switch of date and venue has caused. Yet, as Crouchino said above, Levy and Spurs wanted this outcome less than anyone. I fully understand the worries about the pitch (which apply every bit as much to Spurs) and the inconvenience and cost to fans (which also applies to Spurs) but I'm not sure what realistic alternatives there were.

You must be short of imagination then? Levy refused to compensate City fans. We are playing in the League Cup on Thursday night and have a game against Southampton on Sunday. These are unwanted knock-on effects to our season. All ignored by a media that thinks Levy walks on water whilst City are oil-barons polluting the English game

 

[feedmpenzaandhewillscore]

You must surely accept, that the ultimate responsibility rests with Levy.

(I'm not sure your use of the term "long and careful consideration" would bear much objective scrutiny btw)

I find it odd you dont see much condemnation of Levy by Spurs supporters, he really has taken a gamble on this project. Guessing the time of its completion, getting it very wrong leaving their supporters having to travel to Wembley until I would guess spring the way things are going. Then there is the over run on costs which has gone up by £100 million and the lack of investment in the playing side of things.

I was watching an interview with kevin keegan as to why he fell out with Mike Ashley during his last spell as Newcastle manager, Ashley wouldn't spend and Keegan stated that in order to keep competing at the top level you have to keep investing and as soon as you dont you drop like a stone. Fair play to Spur's they have started off well this season but no new faces in the summer will take its tole at some point. How long will Kane and co plus the manager stick around in the coming seasons whilst they have the millstone of paying for a new stadium round their neck? Spurs supporters see as some badge of honour that their billionaire owner wont invest money and is some how doing things the right way but by spending £500 million on a new ground its going to turn their fortunes around when match day revenues is not what make top football teams money.

 

[Salford_Blue]

Does Levy not have a responsibility to look after his own investment; namely the players he has paid, and continues to pay millions for?

Should he not be pressing the FA to sort out the pitch?

If Harry Kane breaks a leg tonight, god forbid, isn't he just as culpable as the FA for not sorting this out?

Or is it a case of, let's not ruffle feathers and mention the pitch unless something happens; if something serious does happen, then we will make a big hoohar about it, wash our hands of it and put the blame solely on the FA?

 

[citizen_maine]

Should he not be pressing the FA to sort out the pitch?

He probably will be, but remember, the game wasn't supposed to be played at Wembley. The FA aren't really responsible, as they would no doubt believe the pitch would have been fine for the next scheduled game there

 

[squirtyflower]

For the majority of Spurs fans, agreed. But there will have been a large number of Spurs fans who were proposing to travel to the game from all over the UK and from abroad - probably as many as, or possibly even more than, there will be City fans travelling from Manchester. As to why Spurs didn't offer to pay travel costs for City fans, I would guess that that was at least in part because, unlike City, Spurs couldn't make that offer to 3000 City fans without also making it to 70,000+ Spurs fans.

You’re a good poster mate, but on this you are blind.

The knock on effect of changing this game from Sunday to Monday has been many fold for City fans.
Not only have the original fans who bought travel and accommodation for this game out of pocket but its also had an impact on our following two games. I know plenty of people who organise their schedules well in advance and avoid obvious match days like Saturday/Sunday. This week they will have also freed up the Tuesday/Wednesday slots after we beat Oxford. Many have already made commitments to travel and accommodation for this Saturday to see us play Southampton, and that’s not including the problem for the Southampton fans, as the game was not scheduled for TV.

Now all these people have had their plans and their money wasted by your club, and so clearly it is their fault, not that you are anyone else seems to give a shit.

 

[Manc Born & Bred]

Article from Friday in trade magazine Construction News https://www.constructionnews.co.uk/...36637.article?blocktitle=News&contentID=14653

The interesting part is this: The sources added that they would not be surprised if the club “wrote off the season”, playing the remainder of the team’s 2018/19 fixtures at other venues in anticipation of a summer completion date.

Now if this is true then surely talks must have taken place between Spurs and the Premier League. They are screwing over everyone big time all without repercussions. City fans have had to change travel plans for this game, move a League Cup game to a Thursday and then move a Saturday 3.00 game to a Sunday all at a few weeks notice. I am sure Southampton fans are delighted to have to come up here on a Sunday instead of a Saturday and I suspect Fulham aren't that happy playing on a Thursday although they are not playing until Monday night at Huddersfield. Surely anyone with an IQ of over 10 can see what a monumental f*** up this has been.

 

[Salford_Blue]

He probably will be, but remember, the game wasn't supposed to be played at Wembley. The FA aren't really responsible, as they would no doubt believe the pitch would have been fine for the next scheduled game there

Levy's silence on the state of the pitch, speaks volumes.

And he will remain silent, until one of his investments gets seriously injured.

But by then, if something does happen, he will have no one to blame but himself.

I am sure they would've known months ago that fixtures would be affected, yet he has done nothing to alleviate the problems and arrange a contingency plan.

 

[feedmpenzaandhewillscore]

Levy's silence on the state of the pitch, speaks volumes.

And he will remain silent, until one of his investments gets seriously injured.

But by then, if something does happen, he will have no one to blame but himself.

I am sure they would've known months ago that fixtures would be affected, yet he has done nothing to alleviate the problems and arrange a contingency plan.

Their manager says its a leveller which is telling, they got swotted aside both games last season and had no answer to City and had to resort to assaulting Sterling and De Bruyne in the game at the Etihad. Having an unpredictable pitch tips the odds in their favour as they have no answer to City in normal conditions, bring City down to Spur's level and they might have a chance.

 

[JimB]

Not so. There's various ways of getting around that and making a gesture. Slashing the price of the away tickets, paying for the coaches that are organised for those coming - all ways of making at least an effort toward recognising the inconvenience to the away club who are entirely blameless. There's more than one way to skin a cat to reach the desired outcome. Spurs have offered various packages to their own supporters, and told the away fans to foxtrot oscar. They did not have to do anything legally of course, and they chose not to, as is their right. And people can judge them for it.

Spurs aren't compensating Spurs fans either!

You must be short of imagination then? Levy refused to compensate City fans. We are playing in the League Cup on Thursday night and have a game against Southampton on Sunday. These are unwanted knock-on effects to our season. All ignored by a media that thinks Levy walks on water whilst City are oil-barons polluting the English game

Levy didn't actively "refuse" to compensate City fans, as far as I'm aware. Granted, though, he didn't offer to compensate them either. Yes, he should have but, as I said above, I'm guessing that the concern was that he would have to make the offer for each of the 70-80K who bought tickets. And you're quite wrong about the media ignoring the situation, by the way. Spurs have taken a load of flak for the stadium delay. Understandably so.

You’re a good poster mate, but on this you are blind.

The knock on effect of changing this game from Sunday to Monday has been many fold for City fans.
Not only have the original fans who bought travel and accommodation for this game out of pocket but its also had an impact on our following two games. I know plenty of people who organise their schedules well in advance and avoid obvious match days like Saturday/Sunday. This week they will have also freed up the Tuesday/Wednesday slots after we beat Oxford. Many have already made commitments to travel and accommodation for this Saturday to see us play Southampton, and that’s not including the problem for the Southampton fans, as the game was not scheduled for TV.

Now all these people have had their plans and their money wasted by your club, and so clearly it is their fault, not that you are anyone else seems to give a shit.

Please don't think that I'm ignorant of or indifferent to the inconvenience this has caused City and their fans. I do genuinely understand. After all, Spurs fans have also been inconvenienced and are also rightly pissed off - with the added major aggravation that we're bored shitless of Wembley and are desperate to return home.

 

[JimB]

I find it odd you dont see much condemnation of Levy by Spurs supporters, he really has taken a gamble on this project. Guessing the time of its completion, getting it very wrong leaving their supporters having to travel to Wembley until I would guess spring the way things are going. Then there is the over run on costs which has gone up by £100 million and the lack of investment in the playing side of things.

I was watching an interview with kevin keegan as to why he fell out with Mike Ashley during his last spell as Newcastle manager, Ashley wouldn't spend and Keegan stated that in order to keep competing at the top level you have to keep investing and as soon as you dont you drop like a stone. Fair play to Spur's they have started off well this season but no new faces in the summer will take its tole at some point. How long will Kane and co plus the manager stick around in the coming seasons whilst they have the millstone of paying for a new stadium round their neck? Spurs supporters see as some badge of honour that their billionaire owner wont invest money and is some how doing things the right way but by spending £500 million on a new ground its going to turn their fortunes around when match day revenues is not what make top football teams money.

He has been slaughtered by Spurs fans on twitter and elsewhere! And no, he didn't "guess" the completion date of the stadium. He took advice from MACE - among the best performing major construction companies in the country, currently - as to when the stadium would be ready.

 

[M18CTID]

Let's not forget that United and Everton fans were also inconvenienced by this too, seeing their game moved from the early Saturday slot to 4pm on a Sunday.

Now I know that United fans aren't top of our priority list but purely from the perspective of a supporter, this one fixture has had a knock-on effect for the fans of at least 5 teams when you factor in the Saints fans who have had to change their plans for the game at our place next weekend. Why they couldn't have played our game yesterday at the London Stadium is beyond me. That would've been the easiest solution for everyone. As if moving our game wasn't bad enough, I don't then see why the United v Everton game had to be moved back a day. Burnley v Chelsea and Palace v Arsenal were both scheduled for 1.30pm kick-offs yesterday. All they had to do was stick the Burnley v Chelsea game on Sky at the scheduled 1.30pm kick-off time, and move Palace v Arsenal from the 1.30pm slot to 4pm. Moving a London derby back a couple of hours would have been the most hassle-free thing to do.

To be honest, I think both City and United have allowed themselves to be rolled over far too easily on this and they should've told all concerned to fucking shove it

 

[Bluep*ss]

As long as they don't show that Ricky fucking Villa goal again.....

Nailed on........lol

 

[casualdeyna]

Staggered even a Spurs fan would try and defend Levy and the club in this situation, everyone has known for about 18 months it was well well behind.

Amazing the PL has allowed all the inconvenience for other clubs too, Spurs should have been docked this game 3-0, genuinely believe if it was, say Huddersfield, doing this they would just be docked the game.

 

[Bluep*ss]

Not so. There's various ways of getting around that and making a gesture. Slashing the price of the away tickets, paying for the coaches that are organised for those coming - all ways of making at least an effort toward recognising the inconvenience to the away club who are entirely blameless. There's more than one way to skin a cat to reach the desired outcome. Spurs have offered various packages to their own supporters, and told the away fans to foxtrot oscar. They did not have to do anything legally of course, and they chose not to, as is their right. And people can judge them for it.

PMSL........

 

[Gorton_Tubster]

For the majority of Spurs fans, agreed. But there will have been a large number of Spurs fans who were proposing to travel to the game from all over the UK and from abroad - probably as many as, or possibly even more than, there will be City fans travelling from Manchester. As to why Spurs didn't offer to pay travel costs for City fans, I would guess that that was at least in part because, unlike City, Spurs couldn't make that offer to 3000 City fans without also making it to 70,000+ Spurs fans.

Why not?

 

[Gordyola]

He has been slaughtered by Spurs fans on twitter and elsewhere! And no, he didn't "guess" the completion date of the stadium. He took advice from MACE - among the best performing major construction companies in the country, currently - as to when the stadium would be ready.

It was clear months ago that the stadium wouldn’t be ready until 2019 and some Spurs fan claimed on here it would be open for their 3rd home game, a similar situation to the Atletico Madrid one, a claim that I called nonsense at the time, of course they have disappeared lost in their trophy cabinet now. My belief is Levy was well aware at the start of the project that a season and a half would be required at Wembley but if he ask the PL for that it would have been refused so he hatch the plan to claim delays due to safety The man is a arsehole and the PL should now order that Spurs play all season at Wembley and inflict a large fine on then for lying in the first place.