May 11 – With Tottenham Hotspur rapidly ramping up commemorative events and merchandise for the club’s final game at White Hart Lane before the stadium is pulled down to make way for a new 61,559 seat arena, chairman Daniel Levy has said the club could now spend two years at Wembley while construction takes place.
Levy had said that he expects to only spend one season at Wembley, returning to the new White Hart Lane stadium in the 2018/19 season.
Levy’s latest comments on Wembley were minuted at a board meeting of the Tottenham Hotspur Supporters’ Trust which said: “It was acknowledged that, as with any build of this size, there is a risk of not completing on time.
“DL (Levy) responded that contingency has been considered and there was the option to stay at Wembley for a second season, although it was hoped that wouldn’t be needed. Premier League rules do not permit a change in home venue during a season but the Premier League could be approached when the fixtures are being arranged for the 2018-19 season to request the first two games be played away from home.
“The 2018-19 season will also start slightly later owing to the World Cup, and there will be the international break in early September, as usual, building in more time.”
One issue surrounding the rebuild has been the local infrastructure construction that needs to be done by the council. It is likely that this is where serious delays would occur if the stadium was put back.
If the delays were only for the early part of the season then Spurs could request for fixtures early in the season to be played away from home, as Liverpool did this season as they waited for completion of their new Main Stand at Anfield.
Spurs play their final game at the 118-year-old White Hart Lane stadium this weekend against Manchester United.
End of an era
The club have planned a farewell ceremony which is expected to start 15-20 minutes after the final whistle and last 30-35 minutes. The event will be live streamed on the club’s official Facebook page.
It is also being broadcast live on Sky Sports to viewers in the UK and Ireland and select broadcasters worldwide.
It will feature former players, along with the current First Team and coaching staff and players from within the Club’s Academy, as well as musical performances.
Spurs have unveiled a commemorative shirt for the final game which will feature the club’s special edition White Hart Lane crest underneath the collar on the back of the shirt.
The players’ shirts will be auctioned after the match and proceeds, including the sale of memorabilia from the match, will go to the Tottenham Tribute Trust.
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