Tottenham are planning for the move to Wembley ahead of next season as a new stadium will be built close to White Hart Lane. While plans are to play the home games at Wembley next season Daniel Levy has suggested that the club could play two seasons at Wembley as part of a contingency plan if the construction of the 61,559 seater stadium is delayed.
The Tottenham chairman’s latest comments were shared at a board meeting of the Tottenham Hotspur Supporters’ Trust and Football.London quoted him as saying;
“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.”
There could be delays regarding the rebuilding of the local infrastructure that needs to be completed by the council. It is also being reported that if such construction issues take place at the start of the season, Tottenham could ask the Premier League for away games early on.
The Premier League permitted Liverpool to play a few fixtures away from home at the start of the season as the Main Stand at Anfield was being developed.
The end of the Lane
It has been another great season at the Lane for Spurs but the Lilywhites play their last game at the 118-year-old stadium at the weekend against Manchester United.
There is a farewell ceremony which will take place after the game and will be live streamed on the club’s Facebook page.
Apart from former players and current staff, Tottenham have unveiled a commemorative jersey which will feature the team’s special White Hart Lane crest underneath the collar.
The shirts of the players would also be auctioned after the game and all proceeds would go to the Tottenham Tribute Trust.