Wembley Stadium

Published: 11 September, 2014
by DAN CARRIER

SPURS fans are lobbying the club to secure a season’s stay at Wembley following dramatic news yesterday (Wednesday) that plans for the new stadium are set to be delayed yet again.

The club revealed that Archway Sheet Steel – a business based on the High Road where Tottenham want to build their new home – have appealed against a compulsory purchase order issued by the government that would allow Spurs to start work on a new 58,000-seater stadium at White Hart Lane next year. 

The club have been negotiating for more than seven years with the metalworks company, the last of 71 businesses Spurs need to get on side before building work can commence. 

But because of the appeal against the CPO, the club announced they will now need to find a new ground to play their home games during the 2016/17 season as the delay in hearing the case means they have had to radically alter their plans. 

Kat Law of the Tottenham Supporters Trust told the New Journal the vast majority of fans wanted to play home games at Wembley for a year. 

“We surveyed fans in July with the four options that had been mooted – Brighton, MK Dons, Ipswich or Wembley – and 85 per cent said Wembley,” she said. 

However, the club are facing problems negotiating with the Football Association and Brent Council over terms and licensing events at the national stadium. Ms Law added, “We will discuss with the club this week the impact such a temporary move will have on the Tottenham community, the cost of travel for fans, and how it will hit businesses in the area who rely on match-day trade.” 

A club statement read: “The club has revised its construction programme. This now involves the club moving away from the Lane for a season. 

“Consideration needs to be given to several factors, including planning, policing and, importantly, our fans and the impact it may have on the team. All options have pros and cons and we are aware that we shall not be able to find one which will please all parties.” 

The club believe the new stadium will be ready for the start of the 2017/18 season.