Spurs, Stratford and Sasha Grey
Friday, January 21, 2011 at 10:22PM Oops. I promised I wouldn't. But don't fret. This is not another epic emotive avalanche war cry of sentiment in favour of N17. Just a response to Daniel Levy's Open Letter. I can hardly ignore Mr Chairman considering the love/hate relationship I have for my favourite bald headed champion of economics. Levy, it's in the blog name. And hypocrisy appears to be all the rage so...
I'm now officially depressed. More so, not because of the apparent confidence in moving to East London displayed in the letter but much thanks to the fact that he has simply echoed the previous statements made. Just far more to the point this time, sharp pencil to the back of your head, tap tap tap. And this only serves to solidify his preference above and beyond the original (alleged) promise. It's been hinted before.
If the Stratford move goes ahead then I'm going to look at changing the whole blogging thing. I'm thinking porn. 'Dear Miss Sasha Grey'. I can then talk about getting screwed without a hint of irony in the rhetoric. Maybe, I don't know. We'll see.
Back to his open letter (I'll keep any discussion about open orifices for future potential chat). The quote that sticks out (ooh) for me:
"Concerns we have about the viability and deliverability of the NDP"
Concerns that would not exist if Stratford wasn't an option.
Concerns that might well exist in a couple of weeks time if West Ham win the bid.
Concerns that will need to be dealt with meaning they can be dealt with otherwise the push and hype for the NDP would never have existed in the first place.
"I've made up my mind and we're off".
So basically, it's all reactive, on-the-go decision making rather than any of it retaining a basis in that old dinosaur called football (the emotive stuff many have now parked under the bed in a shoe box).
The AEG partnership, the OS bid. That had to take some planning. The intention was always there, always more favourable. Like I said. Hinted.
In and amongst all the coverage in the press against Spurs winning the bid, there is still something sinister and ominous about it all. Even Pele suddenly has got in on the act. Did we nearly sign him or something?
So thanks for the letter Mr Chairman. More side-footing. Hardly any transparency.
If he was up front with it all, didn't patronise oh so cleverly, most of us anti-Stratford mob would probably stop our ranting and just support the club no matter what, swallowing hard, and accepting the only avenue of progression with black arm-band. But alas, no.
So Tottenham fans who remain irked by it all, back in your box. We go.
PLC. Does what it says on the tin. With a supporting case of numpties from local government.
If we have a plan A and a plan B comes along then take the plan B with its sacrifices and lack of sentimentality and make that your plan A. Just don't say it out loud.
lol
What Levy does say out loud is that he is ever conscious of the feelings of our fans - on all fronts. States the one choice we have is between standing still or moving forward. Then claims his stance is backed up because of the emails he's received. It's progress and nobody can argue with that. But once more, that's not the point is it? If you've been following, you'll know. If you just scoff and look the other way you'll once more throw it back in my face.
Transparency.
Also, any confirmation on the amount of emails you've got there Daniel? Because outside of your inbox, the ones that are vocal are passionately split down the middle. The ones that care will always speak out, for or against. They are the ones who should matter.
Sadly, you know, you know very very well that the majority - the silent ones, the ones too scared or hardly bothered - along with the new generation of 'East London' supporters who will blossom if we move - these fans won't give a hoot other than getting tickets for concerts and Premier League football.
We are not supporters. We are consumers. And you, you pesky you, know this above all else.
The letter, in many ways, is actually the same ilk of emotive sh*t I've been accused of drowning in recently in my defence of remaining in North London.
Something else to cite is the quote: A new stadium is critical to our continued success.
True.
Which brings me onto this:
If you look at the stadium capacities of the top 20 clubs in Europe, they all exceed ours. The new Financial Fair Play rules will mean that we shall only be able to outlay income generated through the activities of the Club – increased match day revenues play a major role in a club’s finances and we need to ensure that we are in a position to thrive and to continue to compete at the highest level.
Fine. But let us know the contingency if we don't get the OS. Because we're still gonna need a new stadium, right?
So I hope, I honestly hand on heart hope, that without the power of hindsight and a flux capacitor, that whatever happens is the right thing and turns out to be the right decision and the people who might disagree with it grow to understand and appreciate it. I do sincerely hope that. Regardless of my opinion. But it will be easier for some to live with than others who will feel betrayed. And some of us will just...sigh...let's not go there.
I guess then we fall into the murky world of what defines hard support. Do you follow the team no matter what no matter where or do you stick by your principles and love the club from afar?
Again. I'm praying we do not fragment. Tottenham till we die, right? Audere est facere. Hey, maybe Levy can organise a N17 legacy for us. A five-a-side pitch where once WHL stood.
Modern football. It's only about Champions League and the winning. It's getting stuck in my throat that, difficult to swallow. Where's Sasha Grey when you need her?
So what if - if we're not awarded the OS site? Athletics gets it's legacy. Yeah, remember? There's another sport involved in all this drama.
As for me, if it's not awarded to us, I plan to sit back with a Cuban cigar in mouth with two high class escort girls either side of me and I won't be taking my eyes off the spin coming out of Spurs HQ that will no doubt make me as dizzy as the twin entertainment paid for by platinum card.
In debt. But manageable. And well worth it.
Reader Comments (98)
The club desperately want to win the bid and Levy is doing his very best to make it look like the Alamo.
Did anyone see the news today about the third possibility? That the committee might not award either club? Surely turning the site into a 25,000 seater for athletics will not generate any money and cost tax payers more? Must be long odds though but if you look at West Ham's bid and the controversy surrounding ours there's a chance it could happen. I've been trying to second guess how they will vote to avoid the white elephant syndrome.
When I do, I can only see us winning it.
"flux capacitor"
Can we use one of these to go back in time and have someone else win the Olympics for 2012?
Audere est facere. To dare is to do.
In some ways moving would be a daring progressive step forwards.
In other ways we've gone from Latin, to English to a different part of London. Small things, big things. Over time, we'll heal. I think people who really don't want to move will just live in a bubble until their time is done and everyone has forgotten.
Do the scum still have supporters south of the river?
"In debt. But manageable. And well worth it." will you still be saying that when we are half a billion in debt without Harry and lacking the overdraft facilities to by an old Wayne Rutledge. I Hope we get the OS and take on the likes of Man U, Milan and Madrid year in year out for the next 20yrs.
Is there such a thing as 'High Class Escort Girls' ? Surely the only difference is Primark or Park Lane clothing . . . As for changing the name of the blog, how about Dear Mr Vinny Sideways ? As dear Mr Levy is only passing the ball along the halfway line with this so called open letter.
Heres to next week, raising a 200yr celebration JD over ice, when this debacle will be over, Wet Sham will be announced as the preferred bidder, Levy's poker hand will be exposed and we can all go back to looking forward to the NDP when the govt finally hand back the section 106 fully agreed with a little thankyou note for playing along in the charade.
Yidmeister
We define ourselves as a north London club to distinguish ourselves in London. If we were the only club in London, we would define ourselves as a London club. We are defining ourselves through other clubs. And I want 2 thank Danny Kelly 4 reading this out on talksport 2nite and agreeing.
Two people have said this to me. If we don't get the OS, we'll still probably move out of NL.
Essex. Deepest Herts.
"In debt. But manageable. And well worth it." will you still be saying that when we are half a billion in debt without Harry and lacking the overdraft facilities to by an old Wayne Rutledge. I Hope we get the OS and take on the likes of Man U, Milan and Madrid year in year out for the next 20yrs.
-
United. Massively in debt. Fragmented.
Milan. Ageing squad.
Madrid. Always in debt, always getting the government to save their bacon.
Me. Affordable payment to hookers, a lot of money at the point of payment, but affordable lump sum repayments.
Or something.
Exactly echoes all my thoughts on this.
The NPDP was always ultimately affordable otherwise none of the extensive planning and land acquisition around WHL would have taken place. The Olympic site is all about maximising revenue, paying debt faster than originally envisaged and a quicker sale by ENIC.
Most of the years I've supported Spurs we've been relatively unsuccessful so I'm not in it for annual glory nights in the Champions League.
Levy even throws in the 'compulsory purchase' spin to boot to make us think WHL redevelopment is just too much trouble. The original Plan A will happen by default though as West Ham will get the decision I believe.
Completely agree. Levy should just be straight with us. The thing is, this way, it's damage limitation. If he said what he should be saying there'd be far more uproar against the move.
Fear not, on the day we submitted our final plans Levy was bound to make a pro-Stratford statement.
I won't lose hope of remaining in N17 untill the removal van arrives.
Tottenham will not win the bid.
Rest easy.
even those idiots at talk sport are going for it..keep saying not many people from tottenham go to the games..duh cant get a ticket thats why..also saying not all the fans live in the area..my god not all scum fans live in highbury. how many chelsea fans live in chelsea...its fuckin north london pricks, it bigger then useless spurs buy alan brazil ipswich shit...been trying to get through but cant...bit from levy letter,....
"It would also host major concerts and other sporting and cultural events to be delivered as part of a year-round programme by our partner in the bid, AEG, the operators of The O2."
wont even be ours anymore
I've enjoyed the blogs Spooky. Never apologise. Beats reading another transfer story. And by next week the perspective on this will change completely. If we win it things might turn ugly for some. The club will probably release full detailed artist impressions that will seduce many who currently sit on the fence. Probably have various statues and nods to WHL included in the design. Hope all this doesn't interfere with what really matters.
The fucking football.
when do they actually announce who gets it?
Two questions:
1) will we own the site/ground?
2) would type of concerts/events will be hosted during the football season?
My girlfriend has threatened to streak - yes naked - across the pitch during the Arsenal game with a banner saying "We are N17!" - let's hope and pray we lose the bid for all our sakes....
I think it's pretty obvious from what Levy said:
Plan A is now the OS, whilst Plan B is the NDP.
I'm glad you mentioned that 'silent majority': those of us who care about the future and us developing as a club. If this means we leave Haringey, then so be it. We're more than just a stadium. We're a club with a history that can't be deleted. This is simply another step in our history - progression - and if we're brave enough to go to the OS then we can become that 'big' club we all want to be. This is our chance.
If we don't get the OS then I'm sure we will build the NDP, but not as soon as originally proposed, and possibly a bit further north.
I guess the point is that the 'silent majority' trust our club in Levy's hands. Call it naive, foolhardy or whatever you may, we don't have a choice and no amount of whinging/very small protests will change that.
Roll with the punches.
The announcement is next Friday.
Surprised we have not bought all the land we need in N17. I thought that was all taken care of.
Heard earlier that former Olympic athletes will battle to the death to protect the legacy of the Olympic stadium.
Didn't realise that a Rollerball style gladiator coliseum was an option.
can we get a naked woman to do a pro-stratford banner streak as well?
and a 'sit on the fence' naked woman streak? or is that pushing it too far.....?
Im not 'new generation'. I want what's best for THFC, thats old skool. Stratford is technically North east London...So at least Pro Evo will be factually correct!
What's the name of the stadium in Pro Evo, for the Lane?
Not a clue fella. It wont be as bad as whatever our new stadium name will be! Naming rights IMO suck more than moving. Sports Direct@St James Park, the american express community stadium...Gimme a fucking break! That really sums the state of the beautiful game but what can you do?
I don't no what to think now,that we fucker levys getting to me.
kiwiyid---What are you wasting time on here for? Mike Lee's cock won't suck itself.
Spooky---Cosmos is run, in part, by Paul Kelmsley (and Terry Byrne), hence Pele endorsing us.
Who is Mike Lee?
Cosmos have a football club but don't have any players.
Crazy yanks.
Where's Sepp Blatter when you need him?
Lost somewhere up his far arse.
*fat
The open letter from levy was pretty conclusive to me. And I feel totally sucked in by all the previous NPD propaganda. A while back it seemed Stratford was just a bargaining tool. To me, it now seems that the NPD was just wool being pulled over my eyes. Call me a snob, but I prefer natural fabrics, and that's why I didn't question the wool pulling. The way they, levy et al, dressed it up was that Stratford was just an inferior product and if we couldn't get our original choice in the size, colour and fabric that we wanted we would, as a very last resort, have to consider the man-made product offered by Stratford. Well now I've seen his true colours. It's newham nylons all the way. Now I realise that the NDP was just window dressing. I was dazzled by the beautiful blond on the front porch as he sneeked his ugly mistress in the back door. Sweetened the pill he did not. "we are determined to do everything to remain in tottenham". Pretty pictures in glossy brochures showed our church of regular under achievement, at which I've worshiped for over 30 years, transformed with the use an architect's snazzy computer into a cathedral of hopes and dreams. Archbishop levy at the head of the congregation of course. (please put on hold his religious affiliation for the benefit of the metaphor). And that, from what I can tell, is all it's ever going to be for N17, a lovely looking picture, on a bloke who's not that bothered's harddrive. Because it ain't going to happen. I'm off to cry myself to sleep now, my tears will be soaked up by my goose down pillows, I say that, I'll have to dissect one of them now, just to check the filling, I'm not sure I trust the description on the label anymore. Whoever promised "it does exactly what it says on the tin" didn't have levy working on his production line.
Embarrassing how so many Spurs fans are defending the move as part of progress and turning the club into a brand name and suddenly we're a 'universal' club, world wide support and need to appeal to this template that other brand names are meant to abide by.
I see Man Utd moved out of Old Trafford. Biggest club in the world, right? They have moved out of OT haven't they?
Its so hard to figure this all out. I had a thought this evening that Levy wants to show the council that he is prepared to move out of Tottenham to the point where even the spurs faithful believe it. When really he knows we wont and is playing 'uber hardball'. So that when he has to get back round the table to discuss NDP, nobody fucks with him.
Above, my last remaining hope that Levy has us all fooled.
We may never even know for sure if we are not the preferred bidder.
To cheer you all up
http://www.nuskoolbreaks.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=144365
The bids are in and no amount of bleating and moaning can affect the destiny now, just a panel of people selected to choose a preferred bidder.
In the White and Blue corner we have Tottenham Hotspur, the olympic stadium is very much a plan B afterthought from their original highly publicised and detailed development of the current stadium moving about a pitch and half distance from the current White Hart Lane, most of the land required has been acquired by the club amounting to aprproximately £70million worth with just a few mercenary landowners holding out for extortionate prices, planning permission has already been granted for the NDP but for some reason the section 106 (contributions to development of surrounding area paid by the club) that has again already been agreed with Haringey Council has not been rubberstamped by the government so work cannot begin. Therefore, Daniel Levy club Chairman, pieces together a plan to build exactly the same stadium after knocking down the olympic stadium and rebuilding it, all to the cost of the club, without a running track or athletics included at the site going against the promises made by the government and olympic committee in order to secure the games in the first place. There have been numerous Olympic, International Athletics and UK Athletics representatives announce their dislike for the lack of athletics legacy left at the stadium should Spurs take it over along with a bandwagon full of ex-athletes. Considering there are athletics representatives among the board selected to choose a preferred bidder it is only natural to assume that any bid that doesnt include athletics on its agenda wont be taken seriously. However, as a form of compromise, Daniel Levy has also announced that the club intend to redevelop Crystal Palace as the legacy part of their bid. Only problem is Crystal Palace FC also have plans in mind for redeveloping that venue for their own use. Note, there is NO 3rd option being offered from Tottenham. All in all being that the athletics world have a big say in the final outcome its not looking very hopeful for the Spurs bid . . . If they actually wanted it in the first place as all the plans are still in place for NDP to commence once the section 106 is granted (which is actually the plan l feel Levy has had all along and has only made a bid for the OS as a gesture to help the government out of the embarrassment Wet Sham may cause)
In the Claret and Blue corner we have West Ham United run by porn empire moguls David Gold and David Sullivan with their dog Brady as their sidekick who has not only humped her way through her career but also has a tendency to bite at any scrap of meat or statements against the club she 'works' for in an attempt to look clever and please her masters. Like little lap dogs all 3 have promised to keep a running track in their bid and although they have to BORROW all the money to redevelop the stadium from Newham Council are doing their upmost to sit up, beg and rollover to show the olympic board that they will make good use of the stadium as well as providing a legacy for athletics at the stadium the board want it to be. Only problems are they find it hard to fill their current stadium as it is (many a time when matches at Upton Park are shown live its a case of who can spot the longest row of filled seats rather than empty ones) and also due to seemingly amateur standards of running a club, announcing a new manager before the current one has left then having to stick with him because the new one changes his mind thus causing an already relegation threatened team even more confusion than they already have over how to play football in the first place especially when their only premiership worthy player (Parker) isnt playing. Add to that the delusion of grandeur from the board when it comes to the transfer market, thinking Beckham would blemish his career by playing for them and paying extortionate wages to a left back that isnt even forst choice for England and it doesnt look like they should be running a club at all never mind be given a national sized stadium to play with like a squeaky toy.
So if you were on the board who would you choose ? The only way of fulfilling the olympic promise is to give it to the pikeys and hope that the taxpayer doesnt have to bail them out at a later date. If you give it to Spurs then there will be no legacy at the stadium and as has already been stated by certain Athletics representatives Britain will be seen as to have lied to them in order to get the Games. Its worth remembering that globally the Olympics is far bigger than premiership football and there is the unmentioned possibility as yet of countries that may well withdraw from the 2012 games, leaving it with little or no credibility, plus Britain can kiss goodbye to being offered or winning any major athletics championships ever again. . . Tough choice huh ?
Part 3, when is someone going tio suggest that West Ham and Leyton Orient have a ground share ? If relegation comes West Hams way this season it could happen that they are playing in the same division, local derbies would be more intense, the stadium would have 'some people' in it every week thus maximising its income potential, the running track would still be in place for athletics meetings to fulfil the Legacy part of the bid and the fans would be some distance away from the pitch so they dont get to see close up just how rubbish they are playing. Everyones a winner and we can all go back to cheering the Spurs on through a glorious season . . . at HOME . . . N17
Yidmeister
Benny is my favourite player. Seriously, he is! Yes, I’m the guy in the park lane who always sings his praises and tries to get a ‘Yido’ chant going for him. The other week he looked genuinely chuffed when a mild yido chant started after he expertly usherded a ball out of play. The look was almost one of ‘Really? Do you really like me? Wow, this is amazing. I think I lIike this club even more now.’ Would love to see what a Benny song would result in. He has been our most consistent performer for the last three seasons, easily. Those who disagree are Hanson lovers…….
Yes, he’s ambitious, no doubt. However an ambition, normally being a virtue, in N17 case doesn’t seem to be any advantage. Not for N17 supporters anyway as his emphasized ambition doesn’t promise anything else but Stratford move. Who is Daniel Levy trying to calm down and assure that he cares? Those who are not going to accept the OS idea anyway? No need. Such ambition that encourages to leave Tottenham won’t be accredited a virtue. On the contrary. In order to satisfy this particular group of fans it’d be enough for the Chairman if he was less ambitious than he boasts he is. That’s it.
Very disappointing letter, Daniel. You start to look less Machiavellian now, what I’ve hoped was your strategy towards political class. Moreover, you look so determined about Stratford. Another sort of strategy? Towards the club’s own unconvinced fans this time. Known as ‘taking this Club to the next level’. So due to the fact you’ve usually been very effective in achieving your goals, I’m starting to think an N would soon become an E. So sad.
I've sort of reached the point that whatever ends up happening, I just want it to happen already. Band-aid time!!! As much as I would love to think that I have control over the outcome, I defnitely do not. As Spooky mentioned, the decision has been made. We win the bid, we're moving. We don't. Plan B comes into play... whatever that is.
The world of football is changing drastically, and team ownership along with it. Decisions are not based solely on passionate reasoning anymore... if so, the team that chooses to follow its heart will fail. Miserably. Unfortunately.
Another GG post on the money (or not so on the money, if ya get me):
nw7 yid wrote:
Sorry, I didn't get a chance to respond yesterday as I was in meetings at work.
You have said, on several occasions, that you believe that THFC is defined by things like honesty and integrity, being innovative, aiming for glory. These are all admirable things to aspire to and I agree with you to an extent.
Where we differ, however, is that I think that the most fundamental aspect of THFC's identity is the fact that it is a club that represents North London. I am of the belief that football clubs in England should represent a local area and a community - that is the essence of the name Tottenham Hotspur. It doesn't matter to me that there are plenty of other clubs that have abandoned their traditional home - fuck them, we're THFC and we're better than that. I have zero respect for Arsenal because they moved across London and now try to claim that they represent North London, which I think is pathetic. I would similarly lose all respect for Tottenham if they moved in a similar fashion. You say 'daring and innovative'; I say 'selling out'.
I see no reason why location should be described as something that is any more 'fuzzy' or less tangible than equally abstract notions like integrity, innovating, and glory.
Legacy, schmegacy
http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/davidbond/2011/01/original_stadium_plan_not_an_o.html
What's really pissing me of is that the future of either Tottenham or West Ham (not really bothered about theirs) is being irrevocably disfigured by the decision of some two bob 'committee' that knows nothing about football. Make no mistake, once the decision has been made, there will be no meaningful consultation with the fans, as most of them are either just too apathetic to care or have swallowed the spiel without questioning the real reason.
Greavesy knows the score! Obviously shouldn't be suggesting ground shares though.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/olympic_games/london_2012/9369180.stm
anyone know of a stream for today's game, please?
http://www.firstrow.net/
My God that was hard work. Feels like a win. Can we please not play in the sickly blue kit ever again now? Its the same every time. Is Pienaar the new jinx?
Random point. But arent we in the Top 20 of clubs already. does he mean all those other 19 clubs have bigger stadiums? just minor point of confusion
Haven't trusted Levy since the Martin Jol sacking. If he really knew how the fans felt the Olympic Stadium wouldn't even be an option.
"The quote that sticks out (ooh) for me:
"Concerns we have about the viability and deliverability of the NDP"
Concerns that would not exist if Stratford wasn't an option."
Not exist? Are you out of your mind? 450 mil so far (and that still is not the bottom line count) would be concern for any club in PL. Oh, how easy it is for you and few others in here to manage someone else’s money. Typical commie approach, not any better that what that utter twat Lammy is bullshiting around about.
Not exist? Are you out of your mind? 450 mil so far (and that is not the bottom line count) would be concern for any club in PL. Oh, how easy it is for you and few others in here to manage someone else’s money. Typical commie approach, not any better that what that utter twat Lammy is doing.
With 150 mil less spent for Stratford option Spurs could buy decent players to replace “standard” first teamers fucking JJ and Hutton. How can anyone think that we can win 4th place this year with those two morons? I hear buzz around about how fucking happy we are to get Steven P. for 3 mil, even though we have the same quality or better players already warming the pine. But we got him because we don’t have fucking money to get quality to become legitimate 4th place challenger or aim even higher.
So if the OS was not an option why exactly bother with all the feasibility studies and the rest with the NDP if it was in fact never feasible in the first place? Well?
I get the local government have utterly utterly fucked it up by adding millions onto 106, taking the piss, and the reality of the situation might be that we do end up having to move out of N17 to Enfield, Essex or wherever (if OS is not won) because of Haringey - but can we please lay off the fucking Levy cock sucking over this when it comes to how much money we will save by going to Stratford, considering I've banged on and on and on about transparency and the ethics involved and the fact that Spurs fans are suddenly justifying a move to East London and ignoring all their pre-OS hopes and dreams for the NDP when it was first showcased.
I spoke to someone today, knows people who have worked with Levy. Our chairman is one of the most hard-nosed sonofabitch negotiators in the industry. He's got balls of fucking steel when it comes to making money. No surprise that. You'd expect him to be an utter bastard to do the job he does (investments). So please, when you sit down and look at a plan, even taking into consideration the chances of local government taking the piss (like nobody knew they were broke, right?) don't try to tell me Levy hasn't side footed N17 for reasons that benefit ENIC and him first, THFC fans second.
He'll tell you it's the other way round.
I guess you're going to tell me the trap door will open beneath us in the next 5 seasons and our chance will disappear forever if we don't move to Stratford.
Fucking bullshit.
But go on, enjoy your pre-match pint at the Slug and Lettuce just outside the ground in Stratford, squeezing in a cheeky Nandos before taking your seat in the middle tier.
xox