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Archway Are Having A Laugh

By The Boy -

The results if the THST‘s most recent chat with Daniel Levy, Chairman, Donna Cullen, Executive Director, Sue Tilling, Safety Officer Ian Murphy, Head of Ticketing & Membership, Jonathan Waite, Customer Service & SLO …are in.

I recommend you read the document in full.

Here are some inital thoughts…

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.”

So first we were told that ENIC had be negotiating for 9 years with Archway, now the time span is quoted is said to be 12.

Archway’s intention is not to delay. To what possible purpose?! This misrepresents their desire for a fair deal, which they clearly feel they have yet to be offered. To suggest that their intention is only to delay is mischeivous and dishonest.

The relocation of “over 70 businesses amicably” is another dishonest statement. It suggests that 70 people felt the offers they got were good, and so took them.

The truth is, that most of this 70 plus were in fact tenants letting from a handful of landlords.

Whilst we have an approximate idea of Archway’s operation, we do not know what condition the 70 plus other businesses were in. Were they on their knees or on the verge of collapse in what is afterall, a rotten borough?

Again, this tale that a small specialist sheet metal business has been holding a multimillion pound business to ransom for over a decade, is frankly risible.

Could ENIC be simply using Archway as a patsy?

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.”

Well what is it then?

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.”

So they will give Haringey beads and mirrors.

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.”

We’re are going there what anyone says, because it is the cheapest option and this lot (ENIC) are skint.

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.”

ENIC can’t gurantee anything in relation to the NPD, a cursory glance at their track record proves that.

And what of the “Special Relationship?”

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

No sh*te, Sherlock.

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.”

How wonderfully Orwellian.

What I find particularly curious, the whole way these converstaions are framed.

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.”

Er… did the Trust take flowers and a get well soon card? The core issues with ENIC revolve around their appalling PR and their allergy to any for of transparency.

The mistrust and anger from Spurs fans stems solely from the belief that “difficult” times at White Hart Lane were for the most part self inflicted.

ENIC are accused of continuous mismanagement and the mostr dreadful arrogance. It is my belief that in due course, deceit will be effortlessly added to their charge sheet.

The idea that it isn’t a good time to discuss how the Levy & Co., buy and sell players would be laughable were it not such a grim business.

The problem the THST has, in its current guise (was it ever thus?) is that they appear either embarrased or too nervous to pursue the root causes. The method of scouting and purchasing of players ENIC claim to exist isn’t true. Poor Poch is the second schmuck in a row to get his second and even third choice picks.

What we got here was a feeble attempt to blame stadium delays on a family business that make BBQ’s and everything else on the weather.

The THST are far too respectful to responses that simply don’t stand up to any scrutiny. Of course respect is essential, but it has to earned.

No mention of the sponsorship that is desperately to finance the stadium redevelopment. But we get some halfwit question from little Johnny in Watford about the neo-Nazi Benny Ekotto. Can’t the Club’s imbecilic Twitter feed deal with this sort of time garbage?

The THST agreed that “off the record conversations were off limits as THST had to abide by the transparency called for from THFC.”

Eh? That isn’t a call transparancy, it’s a call for censorship.

A supporters group must challenge, question and generally be a thorn in the side of a football club. This lot are far too forgiving and this pallying up routine is leading us nowhere.

I’m not interested in effort, I’m not interested in commitment. I want answers. All this lot are getting is biscuits.

A pity.

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