THST/THFC Board to Board Meeting Minutes

https://www.thstofficial.com/thst-news/thstthfc-board-to-board-meeting-minutes

A few interesting points.

Stadium/ Northumberland Development Project

- Regarding the outstanding CPO on Archway Steel, THFC said all efforts had been made to reach agreement with the Josif family over the past 12 years. Deals had been agreed only for them to be rejected at the last minute. Their intention was to cause delay. The Club said it has relocated over 70 businesses amicably but has been unable to accommodate Archway. Archway were now challenging the legality of the CPO in order to cause further delay. The High Court appeal is scheduled for 15/16 January 2015

- THST questioned why WHL couldn’t be redeveloped to increase capacity. THFC confirmed that this option had been explored. Reasons for rejecting it included the fact that the maximum capacity for a redeveloped WHL would only be 40,000. Construction would take 3-4 seasons with capacity reduced by 8,000 seats during the build phase. There were further restrictions owing to the proximity of the stadium to surrounding roads etc. It was too small an increase in capacity (4,000), compromised size and did not justify the cost or satisfy the need for a greater capacity

- THFC stressed that moving away for a season was not a cheap or easy option – in part because of rent costs associated with sharing a stadium - and was not something they wanted to do. But the Club felt it has to move

Club blueprint/ vision

- Relating to the Director of Football role, THFC pointed to Southampton, Manchester City and Chelsea all working to this model.

- THFC referenced it was early days for Pochettino. The summer had been truncated by the World Cup and it would take time to establish his style of play

- In terms of short term strategy, THFC explained that funds were available at the end of the season to spend on players. Obviously, should the Club progress in various cup competitions or finish higher up the league, this amount would increase, along with any other monies from player trading

- This meant development of younger players through the academy and projects such as the new stadium was vital in order to compete

Real Madrid Partnership

- THFC explained how the original partnership had revolved around access to younger players. This required buy in and co-operation between both sets of coaching staff, which hadn’t transpired

- THFC confirmed that in terms of tangible benefits, the partnership was not active

AOB

- Questions were raised by THST around THFC’s flag policy and, in particular, the removal of the #LevyOut protest banner at the Stoke City match. THFC stated this had caused disagreement amongst fans with contrary views who did not agree with the banner and had thus been removed. THST questioned this as a legitimate reason, drawing attention to protests articulated by other fans at other clubs without significant conflict breaking out and putting the view that fans had a right to express their opinions. THFC maintained its position that the guiding principle was removing anything which caused an issue in the stands

- THST asked a member’s question around Benoit Assou-Ekotto. THFC confirmed he was still under contract and remained on the payroll. He was not training with the first team and is not included in the 25 man squad for this season

- THST asked whether THFC would consider organising a testimonial for Michael Dawson. This is something we’re pleased to report is being discussed