After almost two seasons at Wembley, Tottenham Hotspur fans will finally see the club at their new ground.
London rivals Crystal Palace will be the guests on Wednesday as the doors open for the sell-out Premier League clash – the first at the new White Hart Lane.
Built on the site of the old ground, the aptly named ‘Tottenham Hotspur Stadium’ – nobody will call it that – is magnificent and pays homage to the famous old ground.
Located in the South Atrium is a commemorative plaque where the centre spot at the old ground used to be.
Levy: Our new ground makes Tottenham a big club
The famous cockerel which perched above White Hart Lane has been scaled-up and now sits atop the South Stand at a height of 4.5 metres.
So how impressive is it? Thanks to The Times, fans can see just how much work has gone into what promises to be a marvellous stadium.
1 – The new ground will be the first in the country to not accept cash, with 878 payment points around the stadium.
Fans without cash on them can put credit onto their stadium access cards and pay via that method.
With the biggest club shop in Europe, there will certainly be plenty of chances for fans to spend their cash.
325m – As well as featuring the Golden cockerel, the South Stand will host the two big screens measuring 325m² – the largest in Western Europe.
As if that was not impressive enough, there will be 17,500 home fans in the single tier stand and it has been influenced by Borussia Dortmund‘s ‘Yellow Wall’ at Signal Iduna Park.
Acoustic experts have designed the stand to help deliver the best possible atmosphere, so be sure to listen to the booming rendition of ‘Oh when the Spurs….’.
62, 062 – Tottenham can now boast the second largest club ground in the country, behind only Manchester United.
While their rivals at Emirates stadium and London Stadium can barely contain more than 60,000, Spurs have gone one step further with their new ground.
With a retractable pitch and a sunken artificial surface, the new ground will also be able to host American football games. When the grass pitch is not required, it can stay in the conveniently located car parking garage for up to 10 days thanks to LED lighting, cooling and irrigation systems.
£850m – The estimated cost for the new stadium comes in just under the £1billion mark, slightly more expensive than the £789million to build Wembley.
The initial diagnosis from the Northumberland Development Group estimated the construction of the new stadium would incur costs of around £400 million, but in 2017 it emerged it would actually be nearly double that.
10,000 – That’s how many pints of beer can be poured per minute thanks to new ‘bottoms-up’ technology.
There will also be a microbrewery in the southeast corner, with local brewer Beavertown brewing their own special concoctions in the ‘Tottenham Tap Room’.
The South Atrium will also host the ‘Goal Line Bar’ which runs the entire length of the goal line and is both the longest continuous bar in Europe and the largest bar in the UK at a whopping 65 metres long.
7.9 – The maximum distance in meters from the pitch to stand for fans.
When West Ham United fans switched from Upton Park to London Stadium, the promise of retractable seating was a huge persuading factor. But some Hammers fans still find themselves 20m away from the pitch.
For some perspective, the furthest distance at the Emirates is 13.8m and 18m at Wembley.
Brighton and Hove Albion chief executive Paul Barber has been forced to explain why the club sacked popular boss Chris Hughton and replaced him with the comparably inexperienced Graham Potter.
The Seagulls axed Hughton last week, despite keeping the club in the Premier League for another season.
And they confirmed Potter as his replacement on Monday, with the 44-year-old leaving Swansea – who finished tenth in the Championship this term – to take over at the Amex.
But Ian Holloway, alongside Jim White in the talkSPORT studio on Tuesday, admitted he was left baffled by the decision and demanded Barber explain why Hughton had been given the boot.
And the Seagulls CEO launched a passionate defence of the club’s move to appoint Englishman Potter – who enjoyed success in Sweden with Ostersund, where he won three promotions and led the minnows to glory in the Swedish Cup, as well a run to the Europa League knock-out stages.
Speaking on Tuesday, former QPR boss Holloway said: “I really don’t understand and I’d love to ask you this: Is it what Graham did abroad? Because his record at Swansea was not glittering – 21 wins, 19 defeats.
“Chris took over when you were in the relegation places, and not only did he get you up to the Premier League, he kept you up. So I’m asking, why couldn’t Chris move you forward?
“I just think you just needed a couple of different centre-forwards to help you.
“I don’t understand, can you please fill me in? I know you’ve all done a brilliant job, but it doesn’t make sense to me.”
And Brighton CEO Barber replied: “Yes Ian, there were a couple of things that concerned us last season. We felt the performance levels the players were capable of were not there and we were struggling to reach the kind of performance levels we needed to not just survive in the Premier League, but to prosper.
“We felt that maybe a change of manager at his time would get more out of the squad we’ve got. We invested a lot of money last summer.
“When we looked at Graham and what he’d done… I think you need to put what he did at Swansea into context, Ian. He lost 16 members of his first team squad when they were relegated and the majority were what we would call ‘Premier League players’.
“Despite the squad being ripped apart, he not only managed to keep the club in the Championship, but he actually got them to tenth place within shooting distance of the play-offs.
“We felt that was a fabulous achievement.
“If you go back to what he did in Sweden, he took a club in the fourth tier in Swedish football all the way to the top tier, he then won the Swedish club and he got them into the Europa League and came up against some very, very tough sides.
“And all of this on the back of not just a good playing career – he calls it ‘unglittering’ – but we think 300 odd games at first team level is a pretty solid playing career.
“And then he did it the hard way. He got his education, he took a degree in social science and then took a masters degree in human intelligence, emotional intelligence – effectively psychology and leadership.
“He then worked his way through the coaching ranks at universities, then into women’s football and then onto Ostersund where he did an incredible job.
“He’s a young English coach, he’s educated, he’s articulate, he’s humble, he’s got a great work ethic, he’s got a good group of people around him and we feel he’s very, very good choice for us to take our club to the next stage.
“We want to improve year-on-year and we didn’t feel we improved last year or progressed in the way we hoped to. We simply want move forward now with a difference voice.”
Holloway added: “I hope Graham does well, Paul, but I’m saying you’ve got rid of a proven manager very harshly in my opinion. That’s what I’m saying.”
And Barber insisted the club did not take the decision to sack Hughton lightly.
“We understand Chris was hugely popular,” he continued, “not just here at this club but across football. That’s not going to change. He’ll always be welcome back here.
“Chris did a fabulous job for us. In four-and-a-half years he stabilised us in the Championship, got us to within a hair’s breadth of promotion in his first full season, and then promotion and two seasons in the Premier League.
“So we owe a lot to Chris and he’ll probably go down as one of Brighton’s greatest ever managers. He will always be remembered here with a huge amount of respect and fondness.
“We’re already missing Chris and the impact he had here, but we feel Graham is the man to take us forward.
“We’re not naïve enough to think any kind of change he might want to make is going to happen overnight, he needs time, we need to be patient and we’re aware of that.
“He’s got a combination of interesting experience and great football qualities, but also he’s the kind of person I think would fit with our club.
“Chris fit in very well because of his personality, his dignity and humility, and Graham is of the same ilk, but obviously different in other ways.
“We’re really looking forward to working with him. We think we’ve got a very fine young English coach, who is excited about moving to this level of football and testing his own methods and ideas.”
Man City and Benfica have reportedly opened talks over a £100million deal for teen star Joao Felix.
City, who are set to sell Leroy Sane to Bayern Munich for £90m, are known to want the 19-year-old.
The Sun claim City bigwig Ferran Soriano held negotiations with the Portuguese giant's president Luis Filipe Vieira and super agent Jorge Mendes in London yesterday.
Eliaquim Mangala has a 'deal in place' to return to Porto.
It's reported by O'Jogo that the French defender, who you may have forgotten still plays for Man City, will be back at his old club this summer.
Mangala signed for City in 2014, but has recently spent time on loan at Valencia and Everton.
Manchester City have reportedly submitted a £53million bid for Joao Cancelo.
Pep Guardiola's side have been increasingly linked with the 25-year-old Juventus defender for the past few weeks and have now seemingly made their move.
According to Tuttosport in Italy, City's offer stands at €60million (£53million).
Bayern Munich president Uli Hoeness admits a deal for Leroy Sane may not be possible.
The Manchester City winger is one of Bayern's top targets as they look to replace Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery, who have both left the club.
Sane is understood to be keen on the switch having often been left out in big games by boss Pep Guardiola in 2018/19.
But Hoeness told Sport Bild he is unsure whether Bayern can afford to buy the 23-year-old: “I do not have exact numbers yet, but I think that the financial framework is very difficult. The whole package is difficult.”
Gabriel Jesus could be on his way out of Manchester City.
The 22-year-old Brazilian is behind Sergio Aguero in the pecking order at City and started just eight league games this season.
According to TeamTalk, he is now poised to ask City for a transfer this summer and is attracting interest from Atletico Madrid and PSG.
Manchester City have joined rivals United in the battle for Benfica wonderkid Joao Felix.
The 19-year-old attacker is one of the most sought-after teenagers in the world and has been dubbed 'the new Ronaldo'.
He has a £105million release clause in his contract which, according to The Sun, both City and United are ready to pay.
It is understood Etihad chiefs will chase the Portugal ace, even if they can persuade Leroy Sane to stay.
The German winger has grown frustrated at the club, and is looking for a return to his homeland with Bayern Munich.
He is set for talks with the club over his future next week.
Man City target Bruno Fernandes has spoken out about his future.
The Sporting Lisbon star told Portuguese TV channel SIC: “I honestly don’t know. I like to focus on things once the season is over, when I can think with calmness.
“The financial aspect always weights a lot, we have a short career. But staying here, I will always be able to raise money, it’s not a financial issue. It’s a matter of having dreams left to realise.
“It’s a difficult choice, we never know what’s going to happen. My connection to Sporting is very strong.”
Declan Rice has dismissed rumours he could leave West Ham.
The 20-year-old midfielder has been a revelation for the Hammers since breaking into the first team last season.
Manchester City were linked with the England starlet last season while United are reportedly tracking him.
“I know that there’s speculation but I signed a five-year contract with West Ham during the season,” Rice said.
“So my focus is fully on playing for West Ham. I’ve got a great connection with the fans; the fans love me and I love them and that’s the way it is at the moment. I’m not thinking about anything else, for sure.”
Manuel Pellegrini wants Manchester City's Fabian Delph at West Ham this summer, according to reports.
The former City manager is keen to boost his Hammers squad this summer and is targeting a deal for the 29-year-old.
Delph, who can play in midfield and defence, is reportedly available for £15m.
We're just going to leave this here…
Paulo Dybala has confirmed he wants to remain with Juventus next season.
The Argentine ace has been linked with moves to Manchester City and Manchester United this summer following the departure of manager Massimiliano Allegri.
But the 25-year-old has publicly stated he intends to remain with the Italian champions: “[Juventus director of sport Fabio] Paratici knows what I want to do next year – to keep playing here.
“Paratici knows that next year I want to continue here. Then it doesn’t depend on me.
“Juventus must make its choices with the coach that will come. But society knows it – next year I want to stay here.
“I have a lot of respect for this shirt and for these fans, and because of this I will only talk about Juventus, not about other teams, because that seems to me a lack of respect.”
Lyon midfielder Houssem Aouar would prefer to join Manchester City this summer over Liverpool, according to the Mirror.
The Reds have been tracking the 20-year-old Frenchman this season with the view of making a summer approach.
But Aouar has hinted he wants to play under Pep Guardiola at the Etihad Stadium, having been lauded by the boss after City’s 2-2 draw at Parc OL in November.
Guardiola said after that Champions League game: “Aouar is a very good player, he is incredible. He's always very calm with the ball at his feet, with an excellent technical quality.”
Speaking to Canal Plus Aouar said about the Blues: “City is a great European club and all players have this urge to play for the biggest European clubs, which in addition is led by Guardiola, who for me is a reference as a coach.
“Guardiola has seen everything before. It is extremely good to play his teams and that's what I like, his way of seeing football.”
Manchester City are also monitoring Real Betis attacking midfielder Giovani Lo Celso, according to reports.
The Argentine has been linked with a move to Tottenham this summer, with Spurs reportedly having a recent £52million bid for the 23-year-old turned down by the Spanish club.
Man United and Real Madrid have also been linked with an interest, and now City have joined the race, claim the Manchester Evening Post.
Lo Celso scored 16 goals in 46 appearances on loan for Betis last season, and recently signed permanently for the LaLiga side from Paris Saint-Germain.
City boss Pep Guardiola has been impressed and will reportedly assess the player’s performances for Argentina at this summer's Copa America.
Phil Foden has been included in the England Under-21 squad for Euro 2019.
The Manchester City midfielder is part of a strong 23-man party which includes Leicester midfielder James Maddison and Crystal Palace defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
England face France, Romania and Croatia in Group C, with their opening game against France on June 18 in Cesena.
MORE HERE
Lyon star Houssem Aouar has heaped praise on Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola – but insists he is in no rush to leave.
The French midfielder, 20, has been an impressive performer for the Ligue 1 side, catching the eye of clubs across Europe.
“It is a great European club and all players have this urge to play for the biggest European clubs, which in addition is led by Guardiola, who for me is a reference as a coach,” he said.
“Guardiola has seen everything before. It is extremely good to play his teams and that's what I like, his way of seeing football.”
Aouar, however, maintains he is in no rush to move on.
“I'm still under contract with Lyon,” he added. “I would like to leave a mark on the history of this club.
“After this season there is a new direction, a new coach [Sylvinho]. We will have to sit down and discuss the role I can have. I'm ready to have a technical leadership role.
“I'm a technical leader in the field and especially as a leader in the locker room, so there we go, we will discuss and then we will make decisions with the club.”
Manchester City are being tipped to move for £40million-rated Youri Tielemans.
The Monaco midfielder, 22, has starred on loan at Leicester in 2019 and the King Power top brass are desperate to seal a permanent deal.
But The Sun report that Pep Guardiola wants the Belgian and City have made contact with his representatives about a switch to the Etihad Stadium.
Leroy Sane will join Bayern Munich, according to Lothar Matthaus.
The Bayern legend says he is 'sure' the Manchester City winger will move to the German champions this summer.
He expects Sane, 23, to cost Bayern a record fee of around 100million euros but insists it will be well worth the outlay.
Writing in his column for Sky, Matthaus said: “Quality always has its price and Sane is more expensive than the previous record transfer of 80 million for Lucas Hernandez.
“He may not be quite as expensive as Neymar, but 100 million is likely to be. Salary, bonus payments and transfer fees together, become a new record in Bayern's history. But the player is worth it.
“I am sure he will move to Munich. If Uli Hoeneß publicly reveals that it makes an effort for the player, this lands in the vast majority of cases in Bavaria.
“And it would be a fantastic transfer, as Sane is one of the best wing strikers out there. Tricky, dangerous for goal, fast, usable on both wings and provided with a great future. Pep Guardiola is not really satisfied with him, the player wants to play more regularly and Bayern looks for the departure of Robben and Ribery at least one man for the outer lane. It would be a win-win transfer for all parties.”
Aston Villa have leapt to the front of the queue in the race to sign Charlton whizkid Joe Aribo, report The Sun.
The midfielder, 22, has had an outstanding season at the Valley but is out of contract in the summer.
Celtic, Rangers and Man City have been linked with Aribo but it is understood Villa are leading the chase for his signature.
David Silva could have played his last game for Manchester City.
According to The Sun, the 33-year-old Spanish playmaker is mulling over a two-year offer from a club in Qatar.
City are said to be preparing for his departure by targeting a deal for £40m-rated Monaco midfielder Youri Tielemans, who enjoyed a successful spell on loan at Leicester this season.
Maurizio Sarri has reportedly reached an agreement to leave Chelsea and manage Juventus next season after Pep Guardiola snubbed the Old Lady.
According to SNAI journalist Tancredi Palmeri, the Italian boss, who has been at Stamford Bridge for just one year, will return to his home country after being tempted with a €7million per year deal from the Serie A champions.
Pep Guardiola is also understood to have been approached by Juve, however it’s claimed he turned them down to remain with his Manchester City treble winners.
Joao Felix has spoken out about his future amid links with Man United and Man City.
He told Benfica's website: “I think that time will tell. I'm good here, I'm very happy, I love the club.
“I adore these fans who adore me. I want to enjoy the moment, play ball, have fun doing what I like, and then, over time, things happen naturally.
“I am very happy in Benfica.”
Leroy Sane’s old club Schalke have reacted to news of Bayern’s bid on Twitter.
Man City are among the clubs interested in Charlton's English youngster Joe Aribo.
The 22-year-old midfielder has had an outstanding season at the Valley but is out of contract in the summer.
The likes of City, Celtic and Rangers and thought to have shown and interest but, according to The Sun, Aston Villa are currently leading the race.
Manchester City and Manchester United have been told to pay up £105million to sign Benfica starlet Joao Felix.
The Portuguese giants have categorically ruled out selling the 19-year-old midfielder for anything less than his release clause.
Benfica’s executive manager Domingos Soares de Oliveira told TVI24: “If someone hits €100m (£88m) for Felix, the intention is not to sell.
“€100m is a lot of money, there has never been a player sold for that amount in Portugal, but the goal is to win on the pitch and we will do everything in that direction.
“Today, if they do not beat the €120m (£105m), the player stays.”
It means the Manchester clubs would have to shatter their transfer records in order the land the in-demand wonderkid.
Nabil Fekir has been told he can leave Lyon, putting Manchester City and Liverpool on alert.
The 25-year-old winger – who got 12 goals and nine assists lasr season – is out of contract in 2020.
Lyon's president Jean-Michel Aulas is ready to cash in as he fears losing him for nothing next year, and has sensationally all-but told the world Fekir is leaving.
“[With] Nabil we have an understanding that he can go,” said the French club’s chief.
“Thanks Nabil for bringing what he brought, we have an understanding to let him go.”
Will the Frenchman – who saw a £58m deal to Liverpool collapse last summer – finally be his way to the Premier League?
FULL STORY HERE
