Prices for next season up 6% and concession pricing hacked to bits. Costs have risen, I get it. But so has the club’s income, yet fans won’t receive any of the benefits. Everyone was expecting an increase, I’m not naïve. The point is, we hear how Spurs are reaping the rewards at last of financial prudence and the income from the new ground, but it seems the fans aren’t part of the equation.
The decision to limit the number of senior concessions and the amount of the discount is disgraceful, a shameful, offhand disregard of decades of loyalty that impacts longstanding supporters, the people who have been there the longest. Good times and bad. Thick and thin. Thanks for your support. Crap football? We were there. Endless stick from fans of our London rivals? We kept coming. Now pay for it or sod off.
A reminder that not all of this is new. Last season I wrote about how the club had not only confined senior discounts to an increasingly smaller proportion of the ground but also that they had limited the number of tickets they would allocate in each section, which was not openly publicised.
They state that senior concession prices are “not sustainable”. The language is self-justificatory, a given, a fact of life. But this is deliberate obfuscation of reality, which is that they have a sum of money they can use, now and in the future, as they wish, and what they really wish, is, “if we keep the concessions, we make less money.”
With the 6% rise, when the tapered fall in the discount begins the season after the next, the club will get an extra £55.47 per season from me as I have a senior concession seat in the Park Lane. That’s less than the price of a first team shirt. Or between a third and a quarter of a premium seat. Or a tenth of the cost of one person sitting for one game in the best hospitality areas.
Here is an example of something that is sustainable, apparently. Spurs directors gave themselves a rise of almost £3million in the ending June 2022. Daniel Levy earned £3.265m in 2022, in comparison to £2.698m the previous year, while the total pocketed by Tottenham’s directors was £6.773m, up from £4m (source: The Telegraph 24.2.23). That year, Levy was the highest paid director in the PL.
But ultimately, the true indignity for supporters cannot be measured in monetary terms. Your support is wonderful, your loyalty is wonderful, and here’s what you get in return.
I’ve been talking to a lot of Spurs fans for some research. I’ve asked if they think there’s anything distinctive about being a Spurs fan. If you had to explain being a Spurs fan to someone who knows nothing about football, how would you describe us? Almost everyone includes two points in their reply: that we want to watch attacking football and that we are loyal. In our People’s History of support and supporters, Martin Cloake and I traced this back to our early days, even to the marshes when there were no stands. Away games, Europe, Tottenham Hotspur fans will turn up. Not to mention 62000 for every home game for a club that’s won a single League Cup this century. AFC fans staged protest marches to remove their most successful manager since Herbert Chapman, many CFC fans are currently apoplectic after half a poor season, yet we turn up because Tottenham Hotspur will be there.
Levy is fond of describing himself as a custodian of the club and its heritage, but the club is nothing without its supporters. This is a gross, clear-eyed attack on some of the most loyal fans not just in the club but in the UK. Me and Mal, we limp up to row 49 with our walking sticks, I’ve been coming since 67, he’s got an extra ten years on me. And come kick-off, there’s nowhere else in the world I rather be. Means nothing to the board. I’m surprised we haven’t had a email saying we should consider ourselves lucky that we have a concession at all.
Spurs fans, no differently from most fans, don’t expect too much. There is an unspoken bargain between us and the club. We’ll turn up and get behind the team, in return, give us your best. If it doesn’t work out in terms of trophies, that’s a shame but we can handle that, if you do your best. But please, behave like you appreciate we exist, and respect the heritage we hold in our hands and hearts. Not a lot to ask, but too much for the board.
When the prices were announced for the new stadium, I said at the time that the club could be creating a deep well of resentment that will stay underground while the team are doing well but could erupt at any time. The same is true today. Spurs fans are patient, goodness knows we have to be, but that resentment surfaces if it gets too much, and that does nothing to help the team or the manager. None of this is apparently part of the club’s decision-taking. It simply fuels suspicions that as far as the board are concerned, we’re not fans, we’re customer numbers. Worse, it shows that they really don’t understand us at all.
Once again, Spurs create goodwill only to chuck it all down the drain. I’m in favour of the non-football activities at the Lane, provided it doesn’t get in the way of it being a football stadium when we play, and to be fair, it doesn’t. It’s a great place to watch football. So what is the purpose of F1 karting, Pink, Pearl Jam and NFL if it doesn’t in some way benefit Spurs fans? £55.47 a year extra from me though.
And there is a broader context here. The game is changing, with the dominance of finance and the increasing influence of the perceived interests of television and the spectacle it creates. It’s impersonal, undermining fans who go to games and those who want to go but can’t afford it. We don’t want a superleague, blue cards or lengthy VAR delays, or going to Newcastle for a 12.30 kick-off for that matter. That’s if you can get a ticket, given that 20% go to premium season ticket holders. This move reinforces the view that the club doesn’t care. Somebody will sit in the seats, doesn’t matter to them who it is. The distance between club and fan, the game and the fans who love it, grows ever wider.
Still, I’ve got some good news for the board. I’m 68 now and beginning to feel it. Both my parents were dead by the time they were 70, so I guess there’s a chance of something in the genes and I won’t have too much longer. Seems obvious to me that the club are irritated by too many of us veterans living so long, and dying could be my final act of support, because my seat will become available. At full price.
TOTTENHAM ON MY MIND 
‘This move reinforces the view that the club doesn’t care. Somebody will sit in the seats, doesn’t matter to them who it is’
Exactly this, and preferably at full price
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I’m 66. In the South Stand. Tried to find out about the concession ticket. Got fobbed off for months and then told my only option was to carry on as is. Now my ticket account refers to my ticket as an over-65 ticket but I pay the same.
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You have earned your righteous indignation, but the idea of your passing is not good news for anyone. Please stay well, continue to fight the good fight, and support the club, in spite of itself.
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I couldn’t agree more, Alan. I went to my first game in 1964 at Upton Park (lost 0-4!) and this season’s home game against Luton could be my last. I’m a couple of years older than you, could I live without Spurs? Maybe. Except, as you say, that’s exactly what they want ‘to reduce the age demographic of our customer base’.
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Agree 100%. Tony Rice, 82yo fourth generation supporter from Sydney, Australia.
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Completely agree with you there. Went to my first game in 1969. I’m 61 now and sit in the east lower row 2. We are basically a cash cow, we keep going out of loyalty, I sometimes think I’m completely mad! It’s so hard to detach from Spurs. I’ve seen us win trophies but never the title. I’ll carry on and hope we win something big again.
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I went to my first Spurs game in 1961. Boys entrance 1 shilling. How things have changed. Increased ticket prices will decrease loyalty if there is no product. Then it will be like going to the cinema, only turn up when it’s a good film. It will just be another spectator sport with no emotion attached. I agree with all the comments that Tottenham football is the driver of the stadium and ENIC downplays this at its own peril. The other revenue producing ventures at the stadium should be there to support football and subsidize fans ticket prices. The money made from concessions should be enough to offset any ticket price hikes. My one suggestion for fans to fight back would be to boycott the concession stands at the stadium, hit ENIC in its pocket. Have your pint, or two, before or after the game at the pub of your choice instead of at the stadium.
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One problem we seem to have with most protests is that so few supporters take part. We could learn something from the protests of supporters in Germany – solidarity and invention!
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First went to WHL in around ’65. My dad needed to visit a sick relative in hospital in London, which required a train ride up from the westcountry on a Saturday. He made a detour via N17 and we got to the ground around 11 before the home game against Villa. He had a word with the security gateman at the main entrance (I think one pound was involved) and next thing you know we are inside the ground getting a personal tour. On the train home the ‘green ‘un’ informed me ten goals were scored in the match with a 5-5 draw. Then, back in the late ’80’s I wanted to upgrade my seat in the East Stand. Took a long lunch hour to get from the city up to N17 and chatted up the ticket office. Next thing I am being given a tour of the available seats right above the Shelf and was invited to test drive several seats to make sure I was happy with my season ticket. Somehow, I don’t think these examples of customer care would happen today. But THFC is no different than any other successful enterprise which is tasked by its shareholders to deliver on its earnings per share. If you stand still in in any walk of life then you will certainly get Trampled Upon, and probably eaten for fun. No song title to introduce this posting Alan so you must be really mad. By the way – Mr. Levy will most certainly be compensated well beyond the three mill mark. Stock options will make up maybe another 50% more. Can’t resist finishing with Keith Burkinshaw’s throwaway line as he walked away from the ground, “There used to be a football club over there…..” Hang in there, David.
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I use to arrive an hour early for something to eat and drink. Now they have lost my custom, I’ll go elsewhere near the stadium. They can charge me an extra £100 per season but they have lost four times that at the bar.
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A very thoughtful, well-written and apposite piece as usual Alan. Thank you.
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Uuuuum, I recall Spurs started getting into Champions league about 3-4 seasons ahead of schedule. Earning an unplanned 230-300 million I wonder were all that dosh was channelled and whether fans ever got any little benefit from this…?
(that query has always orbited around at the back of my mind)
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The extra money is nothing to the club- £3m by some estimates- peanuts for a global corporation. But the effect on individuals who don’t earn what Levy earns is huge. He has never properly understood football, spurs or spurs supporters. He never will. We mean nothing to the club – as you say we are just a CRN.
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My renewal price for the West Stand behind the Directors’ box and Press box in 1976 (full price, not Over-65) was £36. This equates to about £235 today. It was for 21 league games and five cup games. I could not afford it then so had to give up the ticket. I’ve had season tickets in various parts of the ground since. I can understand that the new renewal price is beyond some pensioners. Even at the age of 78 I love the new stadium (which might seem childish) and am amazed every time I come. COYS!!!
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nail on the head as usual Alan; as you know, you & I saw our first match at the Lane on the same day back in 67 and we’ve both been to thousands of games H& A since. I was lucky to get a south stand seat that would, in time, offer me a senior concession and even with the disgraceful new approach by this as ever out of touch Board I can still just about afford it (I now get the concession but it’s clear the money grabbing sods will reduce the discount over the next 5 years. I too support the other events (not in person as none of them have appealed so far but in terms of raising revenue which should go towards the core purpose of TH FC & it’s football supporters, but if course we’re just an inconvenience to DL & co. V much hope you outlive your parents as your ongoing reasoned comment is always so well stated.
best, Bernie K
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Alan, Thanks for the mention, I agree with you, of course ! Will I be able to come next season, I don’t know. My increase is the same, I’ve almost fully stopped buying food or refreshments at the stadium or elsewhere on the trips to and from. Mal
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disgraceful attitude to our most loyal & longest supporters, £evy only wants consumers and not real supporters, I hope this starts large scale demonstrations against Enic and all the parasites on the board. Be interesting to see what the THST do now, I won’t hold my breath as they have been next to useless so far.
Jimmy c
ST holder north stand
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Another thing removed from season ticket holders I m 65 next feb so might have considered the cheaper seat for 25 26 had a season ticket since 84 as some one else says used to get 5 then 3 then O cup ties free. Luckily I can afford the price rise, My inner child still misses the birthday card we used to get each year another thing which cost them too much
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No matter how much your seat costs, don’t think for one minute that Spurs can’t sell it for twice that much to a travel tourist from Asia or the USA.
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IKnowAlanGilzean
Heartbreaking. What they will never respect, even if as I believe they know it, which makes it worse, is that going to Spurs is tradition, history, community, a filling of a void, a lifeline for some socially & emotionally and much more, besides love of football and team etc.
The people running too many clubs are of a type with those (same ones often) running society’s political, economic institutions and corporations, so we shouldn’t be surprised how little or shallowly they think of people.
I know people like to see the best players in the best surroundings, but modern football is a good reflection of the price of everything and value of nothing ethos running through too much in society.
All the best Alan and Up the Spurs fans always.
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i think it’s great the club is making such profitable use of our stadium.. I just now wonder what they mean when they call it ‘the ‘ Tottenham Hotspur Football Club ‘..?
if it’s a club , then who are we ? .. what is club membership?.. and who are the punters who come to watch NFL or concerts.. if the club does well then the members should benefit, otherwise, can you still call it a club ?..
Alan , keep up the good fight, it’s important!
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I sympathise with those of you who have given a lifetime attending matches.
It seems to be a race between the top clubs to see who can attract the richest spectators, when they could be using the rising income from television, merchandise sales and stadium activities etc to offset attendance cost rises.
Football used to be for the working classes. We paid two bob to get in. Now the demographics are deliberately changing and the working classes and the elderly are slowly being disposed of. Go away, you’re not profitable enough.
I’m no Levy hater but from my place here Down Under (whilst yearning to get back there again), I at least get to watch every single game live on tv and all I have to worry about is the cost of televised football on demand in my lounge room.
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Aston Villa
Well, it was a six-pointer and a failure to close the gap could have meant our season there and then.
That we came through the game with aplomb augurs well for the team’s confidence going forward.
Sonny had 57 touches this time and his contribution to the game was crucial.
I wish to echo the sentiments expressed by Ggreybeard concerning ticket prices & concessions.
It does not make sense to alienate clients who have spent most of their lives supporting the team.
The stadium does, however, employ around a thousand people who will be clamouring for cost of living rises so I have no doubt that stadium costs are rising.
The real issue here is the exponential rise in player transfer costs & salaries…
https://www.statista.com/chart/22002/premier-league-wage-burden/
Yes, I know we have the lowest ratio but even that has risen from 39% to 57%. Add in inflation in operating expenses and the new focus on FFP rules the ability to run a club let alone compete becomes a walk along a financial tightrope.
P.S. The operating ratio for commercial entities is 60 > 80%.
Hibberni
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Fulham
On dear me, this is what happens when self-belief turns into overconfidence.
Johnson…timid display.
Maddison…too easily riled into losing focus.
Sarr & Bissouma…both played too wide leaving the centre of the pitch open for Fulham to exploit.
Add to all that some poor passing stats from a number of players ‘et voila!’
Mind you, I do remember Ange saying at the begining that there would be days like this.
Hibberni
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Notre Bête Noire
It’s a great shame that once again, having opened the door to advancement, we immediately allow said door to slam shut.
This is the reason for the S****y tag and it seems it’s not going away anytime soon.
One could understand, after a run of winning games (this season’s start for example) that there would be a ‘mean reversion’ but how does one explain our failure to build upon the success from pivotal games?
Are we once again faced with the unpalatable, relying on a competitor’s results in order to scramble across the line?
What concerns me is that ‘n’importe quel entraineur’ these ‘blips’ still remain.
Hibberni
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Luton
I wonder if DL will cough up the spondulix for a hair replacement programme…
Sarr at fault for Luton’s goal; followed Chong into the box then wandered away from him.
Dragusin impressed in only his second start which bodes well for the future. It was pleasing to see Lo Celso (finally) & Bentancur paired together.
Hibberni
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West Ham
I guess when I look at the London vs London teams’ table at the end of the season the reason for our failure to make top four will be staring me in the face.
Attacking football at a pedestrian pace once again and Sonny lost amongst the claret & blue doesn’t inspire me with confidence.
We need to win our next three games to bring us back to an average of 2 points a game and a chance at top four.
Hibberni
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Nottingham Forest
A game of two halves. The first half much like recent games in nature; possession football with little end product.
The second half was a sea-change prompted by the half-time substitutions (well done Ange). Apart from one sloppy pass back across the box PEH looks a different player; gone are the sideways and back passes and in their place a HMF whose playing on the front foot and making decisive forward passes. I guess we have Ange to thank for this transformation.
I’m still concerned about Maddison’s ability to lose focus; needs to curb his reactionary posturing to tackles.
TH Ltd. annual financial results for June 2022/2023 have been published (as I’m sure most of us are aware) and there is, as usual, a pertinent summary on the Swiss Ramble blog.
I would, though in light of the recent ticket rise and withdrawal of OAP concessions, like to focus attention on the fact that the club now pays an annual 1/4 billion pounds in salaries!
This brings me back to a previous comment (of mine) that careful management of player transfer fees and salaries are crucial to the financial well-being of a Premier League Club. If there is any further doubt in your minds Tony Bloom’s BHA has made a profit of £133m for 2022/23 from buying players at reasonable prices and then selling them at a profit. Leicester’s wage bill is currently 116% of turnover which is clearly unsustainable.
Hibberni
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Newcastle
There is little point in repeating myself but my previous concerns were once again on display at St James’ Park. “A painful part of Tottenham’s growth”…bowlox!
Haven’t we heard similar from the previous one-trick pony?
The premiership will find you out if there is no plan B and even a plan C Postecoglou.
I see very little difference now (in team performance) from those of the Conte reign and if this continues Postecoglou’s will be of a similar length.
Hibberni
P.S. I dislike zonal defending (another Conte favourite) especially when we give away so many corners (16 yesterday!).
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