Home » Leaked: THST Board To Board Minutes In Full

Leaked: THST Board To Board Minutes In Full

By The Boy -

Tottenham Hotspur Supporters’ Trust vs Tottenham Hotspur Football Club (No holding, no biting, finger or toe gripping, 3 falls or a submission).  

Board to Board Meeting
​Minutes

Wednesday 10 February 2016 Tottenham Hotspur Football & Athletic Co Ltd, Lilywhite House, 6pm

THST Board:    
Katrina Law, Co-chair Stop pushing, I go in first. 
Martin Cloake, Co-chair I refuse to kowtow to these facist pigs. Can you ask if there will be any of that nice fizzy water we had last time, Kat? 
Kevin Fitzgerald I want to get Donna’s autograph for my dad.
Paul Head We’re in, we’re only fakin in! 
THFC Board:  
Daniel Levy, Chairman Where’s the rest of them, outside in a van? 
Donna Cullen, Executive Director I could be having my feet pumiced by my Filipino houseboy. 
Sue Tilling, Safety Officer Are they small, or far away? 
Ian Murphy, Head of Ticketing & Membership Watch the biscuits. 
Jonathan Waite, Head of Supporter Services I ‘m out of here by midnight, I don’t care if they hold a dirty protest. You’re on your own. 1. Communications
Fan communications
  • KL referenced the connection between the team and the fans right now. The ‘synergy’ as MP referred to it. The #TogetherTHFC hashtag meant something. That was something all acknowledged as being valued and extremely positive. Total rubbish. Mindless marketeer hashtags like this are used predominantly by a handful of sea lion fans who are overwrought after a win. This has to be the emptiest initiative since the iconically daft #StayRelentless 

​Trust communications

  • KL commented how the THST relationship with the THFC Board was now into its third year and there was an appreciation of how each other operated. THST worked alongside the Club when mutually beneficial and pushed back where objectives differed but always maintained a pragmatic, reasonable approach. DC said she felt the Board was highly accessible and probably more so than at most other Premier League clubs, which THST acknowledged Oh dear. The strains of ‘Getting to know you’ from the Sound of Music start wafting into my mind form a dark place even I didn’t know existed. Thank you for letting us in, we’ve wiped our feet and we won’t try and nick anything. #LoveTheBiscuit
  • THST understood it wasn’t practical to be consulted on or informed of every issue as the stadium build project progressed but key points that directly affected fans should be shared by the Club rather than THST hearing from external sources What does that actually mean? We shouldn’t have to find out information from sources other than the club? Why is everything so mealy mouthed? Why can’t the club be told, ‘we don’t expect to be part of the decision making process, nut we’d like to be told what the decisions are.’ Presumably that would be seen as too confrontational. 
  • THFC explained that the stadium project team now numbered over 70 staff. It was an extremely complex project with many variables and it wasn’t always reasonably possible to communicate all of those variables Eh? What has the number of people working on a project got to do with the price of fish? The Trust don’t need to speak to all of them. No, what’s needed is a summary communication on a regular basis, say monthly. 
  • There was a commitment from THFC to keep THST in the loop as far as was practically possible, accepting our role as a conduit between the Club and fans and as a sounding board, when appropriate Don’t call us we’ll call you. A commitment. A wet hand shake, Nothing tangible you could use to hold them to account. #WhatEvs


2. Leaving White Hart Lane

  • With the 2016/17 season looking likely to be the last at the current White Hart Lane, THST was keen to learn what plans were in place to mark the departure from our historic, iconic stadium. KF relayed the feelings of many supporters who hold WHL close to their hearts and stressed the emotional connection most feel to the old ground. Would fans have the opportunity to feed into ideas and plans for this landmark season? Again, what does this actually mean? A candlelit vigil, a seance? Micky Hazard in bathtub of baked beans for Meningitis? 
  • THFC confirmed that a dedicated committee had been established to work specifically on events, occasions and memorabilia for the final year at WHL, tasked with also maintaining continuity. We were leaving but we would also be coming home again. A committee to flog bits off. Who could have predicted it? 
  • THST was reassured to learn THFC clearly placed as much emphasis on the importance of marking this occasion as the fans Of course they are, the more people that are aware of when the bits are being flogged off, the better. 
  • DC confirmed there would be a mechanism in place for fans to put suggestions forward in due course. That was encouraged by the Club, who didn’t want to overlook or miss any great ideas Hahahahahahah. Yes, this cornucopia of good ideas must not be missed. 
  • THFC confirmed that the former Heritage committee was now the Museum committee. That’ll be interesting. So far we’ve enough stuff to fill two large Ikea glass cabinets.  
  • THFC confirmed that the former Transport committee would not be reactivated at this stage and would be kept under review Another drawbridge up. 

3. Stadium/ Northumberland Development Project

  • KL asked for an update on the second stage sign off of the stadium plans. Following the approval of Haringey Council in mid-December, was there a reason for the delay in this going in front of Boris Johnson? THFC reassured THST that the time had been spent ensuring that every detail was correct and the plans should be with the Mayor within the next month Translated None of your fakin business.
  • KF asked whether any further issues were envisaged in terms of the Heritage Buildings. It was hoped the merits of the scheme would override any residual concerns here. THST’s letter to Boris Johnson was thought to have helped, also. Yay! Kevin got to ask a question!  
  • THFC stressed that Grade II Warmington House will have millions invested in it under the current plans to incorporate into the Museum and have its future secured. Because knocking the ruddy thing down was illegal. 
  • MC asked for an update on Construction Phase 2. DL confirmed that Mace had been construction consultants on the project for 6 weeks and were working through detailed timetables at present. Completion was still aimed for August 2018. DL explained that he hoped to be in a position to discuss in much more detail by the time of our next meeting (May 2016) Translated None of your fakin business.
  • KL checked that the immediate timetable was as indicated during our last meeting in September 2015: Contractor in place by Q1 2016 (Mace appointed as consultant contractor), planning permission would hopefully be granted in February 2016 with financing in place during Q1 2016 also. DL stated that the funding was not yet finalised as it needed Mace to conduct more work in terms of costing out the total project. I bet Danny was delighted the Trust were all over that one. 
  • PH followed up on the S106 conditions, especially the concerns over the percentage of affordable housing in the scheme. DC explained that THFC had delivered 36 units at Berland Court, 222 units at Brooke House and planning was about to be submitted on 500 White Hart Lane, yet another Club scheme with affordable units. DC explained that despite this substantial delivery of affordable housing in the near vicinity, planning rules did not take this into account as ‘offset’ for the new planning application but the Club was clear that it had certainly provided affordable within the area. In respect of the stadium site scheme, given the residential part was not currently viable the Club had agreed a review mechanism So THFC have shortchanged Haringey on affordable housing, but it’s okay because David Lammy has trousered £75,000 from property developers. Swings and roundabouts, eh? 

4. Ground share

  • KL began by asking for an update on Wembley. Have we matched Chelsea’s money yet? THFC confirmed that the FA was positively engaged in talks with the Club Translated: What the **** has this got to do with you? 
  • KL asked for confirmation of the timescale here. When would the FA make a decision? When would the Club need an absolute answer? THFC confirmed that they were working for a decision asap which would be communicated to supporters at the earliest possible opportunity See above. Have a ***ing biscuit. 

5. Ticketing

  • Before any future pricing policy could be discussed, the pricing for next season needed to be addressed. KL referred to THFC’s statement from last March indicating an average increase of less than 2% in season ticket and match day pricing for the 2016/17 season – a move THST has opposed for the past year. THST reiterated that, in the current climate, we saw no justification for any price rise next season. THST urged the Club to consider the damage to that strong bond with the supporters at the moment – the #TogetherTHFC feel good factor I told you that hashtag would bite you run the arse. You just just agreed to a price increase, 
  • THFC reiterated that it needed to take into consideration the bank financing arrangements it was securing based on incoming revenues We’re up to our knickers in hock, and we’re planning on selling the future ticket sales swell. All the money we make goes in a duffle bag. 
  • THFC reiterated the uniqueness of their situation in that they were the only Club embarking on a private stadium build of this size This can only happen if we ruins anyone that comes within half a mile of us. 
  • THFC stated that no decision had been taken on next season’s pricing as yet and the date of an announcement would soon be confirmed. [It was confirmed after the meeting that an announcement would be made by April] Translated: What the **** has this got to do with you? 
  • Looking ahead to the new stadium, PH asked whether there were any key learnings from the ISG Survey issued last Autumn. IM explained that there was a huge amount of data from the 13,000 completed responses which had been segmented and analysed ‘Oh that, er yeah, that didn’t go in the bin at all. Nope’. 
  • PH touched on one of the initiatives suggested in the ISG survey – the Founder Members Scheme (FMS). Was this still on the table? THFC responded that the FMS had received backing in the survey responses It didn’t go in the bin. Honest…
  • THST wasn’t against Debenture schemes, but it was against Debenture schemes that gave those with no current formal affinity to THFC the chance to jump the ST waiting list and to take priority for away tickets This was obviously met with complete silence. What is the point of just blurting things out, opposed to challenging? 
  • KL and MC requested clarification of the benefits of the FMS Drumroll, please…
  • THFC were keen to emphasise that they were merely at the stage of considering all options. THST expressed the view that this particular option should not be considered Hahahahha
  • MC asked what kind of figures the Club were hoping for from ticket revenue in the new stadium? IM responded that numerous models had been presented and numbers were being crunched Translated: What the **** has this got to do with you? 
  • MC asked whether the percentage of ST holders in the new stadium would remain constant with the percentage of ST holders in WHL, which is around 65%. This was not yet decided Translated: What the **** has this got to do with you? 
  • THST stressed fans on the Waiting List should be informed as soon as a decision has been made May as well have stressed that Bahlsen biscuits are the best. 
  • The discussion then moved onto the national campaign around away tickets. KL recapped THST’s stance on pushing for a cap on away tickets (£30 has been suggested), an increased Away Supporters’ Initiative, an end to away match categorisation and the introduction of a young adult category for 18-21 year olds. KL has attended regular meetings with the Premier League as part of the Football Supporters’ Federation fan delegation over the past 2 years around this subject  This was obviously met with complete silence. 
  • KL asked for clarification as to THFC’s stance at the Premier League Shareholders meeting the previous Thursday. Had THFC opposed the proposed cap on away ticket pricing?
  • THFC said the ballot was private. DL explained his thinking about the subject of a cap Hahahhahaha – a flat cap, Harris Tweed? That’s another fak off. 
  • DL said he questioned the principle of prices being set centrally, asking for an example of another industry where there was a central control over pricing. There was concern that once a precedent was set with away pricing, home pricing would be next and given THFC’s position with the stadium build, a ceiling on ticket revenue would be very harmful to financial modelling Look, they are here to rinse fans. The broadcasting money isn’t enough. They’re an investment company not a registered charity! Don’t you chumps get it?!
  • DL also explained that he was concerned that away fans visiting WHL should pay less than home fans. There was a feeling home fans would be angered by away fans sitting across the divide from them having paid less money Rinsey McRinse has spoken. You’re Twenty Is Plenty campaign is not happening. Not happening. 
  • KL pointed out that all away fans were home fans too and expressed her opinion that that argument had no proof or substance. A Spurs fan sitting in WHL for a Sunday midday kick off against Newcastle would recognise the effort and cost that Newcastle fan had put in to be at the match in the first place, often in inferior accommodation and with inferior facilities (although not the case at WHL) Complicated, irrational whining. 
  • A £30 cap on away tickets would save a Spurs fan attending 19 away league matches £284.00 based on current pricing. This was a lot of money. KL asked for justification as to why THFC, when receiving a share of £8.3 billion of TV money, should deny fans that saving? And if you don’t smoke 20 fags a days you can save thousands. 
  • DL stressed that he did recognise the cost of attending matches was too high – as expressed in previous meetings – and was in favour of heavily subsidising travel. There were logistical issues to overcome to make that work but THFC would support a heavy subsidy on travel to matches through a voucher system (including petrol) and through work with the rail providers THFC’s special offers make Eastern Germany look like DisneyLand.
  • The Club would be looking at examples to see if in fact fans could actually save more with subsidised travel than a capped ticket price. THFC underlined that this was not a money issue as the ASI would in fact carry a higher cost to clubs than the price cap So pass the burden of discounting onto anyone …but the club. 
  • THST expressed the opinion that only by reducing ticket pricing would all travelling fans uniformly benefit Blub blub.
  • MC asked for clarification that THFC would back a significantly increased Away Supporters’ Initiative and DL confirmed that an increased ASI would deliver the subsidised travel so, yes Subsidised travel – whoo hoo! 
  • KL explained the current mood within fan groups nationally is one of frustration that this subject has been discussed for the past 2 years at least with no resolution. The next meeting of the Premier League Shareholders in late March was the last opportunity to agree to something meaningful before the TV money was allocated
  • DL agreed and confirmed the matter would be on the agenda at that meeting and that there was a will to agree to a meaningful initiative – it was identifying the right mechanism which had caused the prolonged discussions At this point Daniel kept looking at his watch. 
  • PH asked for an update on this season’s Away Supporters’ Initiative, currently set at £200,000 per club. Would it be possible for THFC to better communicate how that money is being spent? JW agreed to host these details on the Spurs official website. To be actioned Yay! Paul got to ask a question! 

6. January transfer window

  • KF referenced the consistent message from DL throughout previous meetings in terms of THFC’s long term strategy. Back in November 2014, DL explained that MP would be assessing the squad for fitness, application, attitude etc. and several would be leaving the Club. That’s precisely what has transpired and a great example of how a consistent message can really help fans appreciate the approach #StayRelentless
  • DL also explained that transfer funds would be available should MP identify a player he felt could improve our squad. Funds had been available in January. MP was not a manager who believed that by simply spending, the squad would be improved. The decision to not sign a striker was MP’s, and although he would have perhaps liked a young striker, he will only sign a player of the quality that can make a difference So if we screw up, it was his fault – gotcha. 
  • DL explained how John McDermott was now in charge of everything below the first team, including the U21’s. There was regular dialogue with J McD and MP and Paul Mitchell regarding recruitment and talent So if we screw up, it was their fault – gotcha.
  • All 3 would be considering whether we have the talent under our first team that we could promote up. The approach is always to try and promote up if possible
  • DL referenced that the Fazio loan deal had been possible because MP, J McD and PM are confident in the abilities of a younger player to step up to the first team if required
  • DL reiterated that money remained available for transfers for the right players. THFC was effectively running 2 different businesses at present – the Football Club and the Stadium
  • In response to fan questions, THST asked when MP would be rewarded with a new contract? DL replied there are 3.5 years left on the current one at this stage We could have got this from a  newspaper. When is he getting an enhanced deal?! 

7. AOB

  • MC asked ST for an update on securing fan representation on the Haringey Safety Advisory Group. ST responded that one member of THST had been invited to attend the next SAG session in May
  • MC asked for FSF training to be followed up on, also. It was agreed to properly discuss how all this would be achieved in a separate, dedicated meeting
  • MC referred to the meetings with the Metropolitan Police and Arsenal around the North London derbies this season, with the next meeting scheduled for Monday evening at New Scotland Yard. KL agreed to forward fan feed-back on stewarding and policing from the match at the Emirates in November onto JW and ST ahead of that session
  • KL asked for further details of the commercial partnership with EZTrader after several members had voiced concerns over the brand association with an unregulated, binary options trader. This included the activation elements of the deal. JW confirmed that they were in fact regulated and full details would be sent to the THST
  • PH referred to the numerous complaints around match day catering – no hot food, not enough stock, massive queues etc. THST said the general view of match day catering at WHL was that it was not good enough across the board. THST included a catering section in the End of Season Survey, which was passed onto Centerplate. No response was ever received. THST expressed their disappointment at this. JW agreed to facilitate another meeting between THST reps and Centerplate to try to resolve ongoing issues Hahahahaha. Can’t you take the hint?!
  • DC invited THST to  nominate a representative to sit on the Stadium Construction Liaison Group, that was being set up to ensure all good communications to local stakeholders during the stadium build. THST agreed to discuss and confirm shortly Wow, they must have pissed themselves at that one. 

ACTION POINTS

  • DC/JW/IM to review the comments made about the Founder Member Scheme in the survey responses with KL/MC and discuss that initiative further
  • JW to arrange for a breakdown of how the Away Supporters’ Initiative is spent each season to be posted on the Spurs official website
  • THST to confirm their representative at May’s Haringey SAG session
  • ST to arrange a separate meeting to discuss SAG training with MC
  • KL to email NLD policing and stewarding fan feed back to JW and ST
  • DC to follow up with KL and MC on details of commercial partnership with EZTrader (done)
  • JW to arrange a further meeting with Centerplate to discuss match day catering
  • THST to confirm representative for Stadium Construction Liaison Group

The next meeting of the Boards of THST and THFC to be scheduled for late May 2016.

What’s crucial here though folks, all gags to one side, is that these are not the minutes from the meeting.

These are the agreed version of the minutes, as approved by THFC. 

Do you feel you got good value for your tenner? 

Tags Tottenham Hotspur Supporters' Trust vs Tottenham Hotspur Football Club
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