Tottenham to move to Wembley for 2017-18

Tottenham will play their home games at Wembley for the duration of the 2017-18 season while construction is completed on a new stadium at White Hart Lane, the Premier League club have confirmed.

Spurs had until April 30 to take up the option of playing at England’s national stadium after Wembley National Stadium Limited’s proposal to stage 22 additional full-capacity events was granted by Brent council last month.

Mauricio Pochettino’s side now face the prospect of playing in front of bumper crowds at the 90,000 capacity venue, although Tottenham’s record when playing at Wembley in European competition this year is likely to cause some apprehension.

They bowed out in the group stages of the Champions League, following home losses to Monaco and Bayer Leverkusen, and were then dumped out of the Europa League by Belgian side Gent.

Last weekend, Spurs lost 4-2 to Chelsea in the FA Cup semi-final. 

1 – Tottenham Hotspur have won just one of their last nine competitive games at Wembley (D2 L6). Residence. pic.twitter.com/VfK0tQTxIe

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) April 28, 2017

Their attentions are now focused upon what will be the last north London derby at the current White Hart Lane against Arsenal on Sunday and they host Manchester United in their final home match of the season.

Tottenham aim to move into their new 61,000 capacity stadium at White Hart Lane for the start of the 2018-19 campaign.

“The Lane means a huge amount to each and every one of us and we needed to gain greater certainty on the delivery of the new stadium before we made the final decision to commence with the decommissioning of our iconic, historic home for some 118 years,” chairman Daniel Levy told Spurs’ official website.

“We shall ensure that we give the Lane a fitting farewell when we play our last match here on May 14.”

We can confirm that, following a Board meeting today, we’ve taken the decision to activate our option with Wembley National Stadium Limited. pic.twitter.com/DuQZsPedOB

— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) April 28, 2017

Tottenham announced a 10-year partnership with the NFL in 2015, effective from when their new stadium opens, that will see it host two American football games a year, while Levy also highlighted the positive effect he believes the stadium will have upon the local community.

“Wembley will be our home for a season and then we shall return to what will be one of the best stadiums of its kind and the most unique in the world, playing host to NFL games too – a stadium that will be key to our future growth and success,” he said.

“Both on and off the pitch this is an incredibly exciting time in the history of our club.

“Our stadium scheme and associated developments represent an unprecedented level of private investment in North London. 

“It has indeed been the kick-start to regeneration that this area of London has so badly needed and it is important that we now see the momentum we have created supported and expanded. 

“Tottenham and its diverse cultures, rocked by two riots in 30 years, deserves to see progress and change.

“We are working hard to deliver greater economic benefits to those living right on our doorstep and to create a place where local communities can study, have new homes, find work and thrive.”

Levy added: “I am particularly proud that this announcement comes in a week that saw yet another Jobs Fair held by the club – this time for veterans of the armed forces – and that we can also mark this occasion with the announcement that we have to date delivered 1000 jobs as a result of our activities and investment.

“Post the riots in 2011 we committed ourselves to playing our part in the regeneration of Tottenham. The ripple effect from our stadium at the heart of regeneration plans across more than 120 acres is evident.

“I urge the Mayor, TfL [Transport for London] and Haringey Council, to support our efforts and to provide a focus on Tottenham to ensure that this incredible opportunity that the stadium brings is maximised for future generations.”