Daniel Levy speaks to northlondonpride.net

By Jon H
November 8 2004

I was somewhat shocked to receive a phone call from Donna Cullen, the communications secretary at Tottenham Hotspur Football Club. ‘Hi Jon, I’ve got the Chairman on the line who would like to have a few words with you’. ‘Erm, eh?, uh, oh, ok then’ came the reply.

I introduced myself as a home and away season ticket holder who is a moderator on a relatively popular unofficial Spurs site – www.northlondonpride.net. I explained to him that several NLP members had submitted questions that they would like answers to. He then thanked me for my continued support and we went on with the questions. Nothing too hard-hitting though unfortunately.

Jon: Why do you favour the DoF system over a traditional British management style?

Daniel: Spurs have endured decades of underachievement and I felt it the best way forwad to take a long hard look at the continental way of doing things and am now convinced that this is the way forward for Spurs.

Jon: The feeling among many fans is that we need to strengthen in 3 key areas. Will Martin Jol be given the funds to strengthen the squad in the January window?

Daniel: There was money to spend in the last window so it was not all about funds, but also about identifying the right players at the right price. And, yes, there will be funds available for Frank Arnesen during the January window.

Jon: What is the current state of play with regard to stadium redevelopment?

Daniel: I have three priorities at Spurs – firstly the first team squad; secondly the youth set up, and thirdly the stadium. Obviously, the stadium is quite down the pecking order priority wise. Northumberland park Tube Depot is part of those ongoing discussions. I am not optimistic about getting the necessary Grant funding to improve the transport infrastructure so stadium redevelopment is not on our immediate agenda, nor is it for the foreseeable future.

Jon: Are there any plans to rename a stand after Billy Nicholson?

Daniel: No, there are no plans to rename any of the stands due to commercial implications. We, as a club, feel that naming the road leading to the ground ‘Bill Nicholson Way’ was a fitting tribute to Bill.

Jon: Are there any plans to increase ticket prices in the near future?

Daniel: No, there are no plans for any increases in ticket prices.

Jon: Are Kappa going to continue producing the kits even though they are not very good?

Daniel: Yes, we have a contract with Kappa for this season and for next season and we fully intend to honour that agreement.

Jon: Is this part of a new policy to speak to other fan groups other than the THST?

Daniel: Donna Cullen, our Director of Communications felt that this was an appropriate time to start reaching out to unofficial Spurs supporters groups and sites.

Jon: Do you or the club monitor unofficial Spurs supporters sites?

Daniel: I don’t look at them myself or I’d be on there all day looking at the stuff that’s been written about me and the club – a lot of it unfairly may I add, but yes, the club’s marketing staff monitor a lot of the unofficial Spurs websites.

Daniel went on to mention briefly my concerns about the ticketing situation when big games come up. He stressed the importance of using the online booking system, which he said was very, very good.

Thank you Donna and Daniel for taking the time out at a very busy, and also very trying time for the club, to talk to some of the grass roots Spurs support.

Jon H

www.northlondonpride.net


Oh and visit the message board to let us know your views.