Published: 31 October, 2013
by STEVE BARNETT

MANAGER Andre Villas-Boas’s comments on how he believed Sunday matches were wrecking the atmosphere at White Hart Lane – and leading to tensions on the pitch – has given the campaign to introduce German league style “safe standing” zones a boost.

The Tottenham Supporters Trust, the official fans voice at the club, have been lobbying to have the designs used in Germany introduced into any new plan for White Hart Lane. It allows fans to stand in designated areas behind crash barriers with banks of fold-up seats locked in place.

With the evidence that the 1986 Hillsborough disaster was not caused by standing or by the behaviour of fans – key reasons for all-seater stadiums – another barrier to reintroducing standing has been demolished.

The trust say they now want Spurs to consider making a home end behind a goal a trailblazer for standing areas, and believe it would help boost the match day atmosphere.

Meanwhile Tottenham travel to Everton on Sunday for a crunch game between two top-four contenders. Spurs have the best away record in the league but high-flying Everton have yet to lose at home this season.

AVB will have long-term absentees Younes Kaboul and Etienne Capoue in contention.

News from Spurs Lodge suggests that left back Danny Rose is also recovering well from an injury to his big toe, but will not be fit enough to come back in time for Sunday’s showdown.