I think I heard during broadcast yesterday that they are 34%--which is the max allowed in the UK.The verticality of the end stands is amazing.
Isn't the presumption that the increased capacity will lead to increased revenues? I also assume that payments in connection with Wembley (not just for its rental, but also things like concessions, sponsorships, etc.) will result in big differences on the books.Good thread on Spurs' financials for 2017-18:
also here in easier to read format: https://threadreaderapp.com/thread/1115143646158970881.html
Some highlights:
- Spurs had the highest one-year pre-tax profit in the history of the PL last year, at 139m.
- Spurs' revenue has grown by 170m (81%) in just the last two years, and they are now almost on parity with Arsenal (only 7m behind)
- Spurs had the second-highest EBITDA in the PL last year, behind only Man Utd, and well ahead of the rest of the Big 6.
- This is mostly because Spurs' wage bill of 148m is still miles behind the rest of the Big 6 -- Everton have an equivalent wage bill, Arsenal's (next highest) is 75m more, and Man Utd's (highest) is nearly double. Spurs' wages to turnover ratio of 39% is the league's lowest by far.
- Due to the stadium construction, Spurs have the second highest debt, behind only Man Utd, and more than double the 3rd highest.
Upshot: Spurs' finances are in good shape. Big questions going forward:
- As the team transitions into a consistent CL participant, when will the core of top players start demanding wages commensurate with their abilities? Levy has been a magician at extending key players on below-market wages, but that can't go on forever.
- How will the stadium debt affect Spurs' ability to strengthen the squad to ensure regular CL participation? Interest payments were 14m last year, and that number is likely to go up.
- As a consequence of the above, how long can they hang on to Pochettino before he gets fed up with the financial limitations?
Yeah, that's the theory. Even a significant rise in the interest (currently 14m) is not a huge constraint; the bigger problem is that eventually they have to start paying down the principal.Isn't the presumption that the increased capacity will lead to increased revenues? I also assume that payments in connection with Wembley (not just for its rental, but also things like concessions, sponsorships, etc.) will result in big differences on the books.
There were rumors last week that Google is interested. Considering all the new tech at the stadium, it would make sense.Yeah, that's the theory. Even a significant rise in the interest (currently 14m) is not a huge constraint; the bigger problem is that eventually they have to start paying down the principal.
Notably, Levy hasn't found a naming rights sponsor for the stadium yet. I doubt it remains "Tottenham Hotspur Stadium" for much longer.
When you have to rely on Llorente at all, it's too much.Spurs have had to rely on Fernando Llorente way too much this season.
Agreed. I actually think Llorente has been pretty good considering the expectations and the team has played well when he’s been on the field. He’s slow as molasses but he’s knows how to position his big body in front of the net and can cause some problems in the six yard box.When you have to rely on Llorente at all, it's too much.
He won't start at the Etihad. They'll play Son/Lucas and look to get pacey runners in behind on the break.
I'd like to see Llorente start this weekend though against Huddersfield. They should rotate and keep the big players fresh for the Wednesday/Saturday City double. If the Spurs backups can't beat Huddersfield at home, what are they even doing on the books?
This. Son and Alli need to be far up the pitch because they are the only 2 consistent finishers. Eriksen when he is on is probably third with no one else in sight for 4th. Moura, Bizzaro Pique, and Lamela have some goals and will obviously have to play, but in the key matches, Son-Alli need to be the 2 up front.I'd like to see Dele start in the middle, he's the most similar to how they've been using Kane this season with Son and Moura. He can disrupt the defense with his movement and hold up the ball while the other two attack from wide. The problem with that is he's also by far their best midfielder. They're in big trouble if Kane is out the rest of the season.
Maybe I’m crazy but I think Sissoko has been their most valuable player this season, if only because he's the only central midfielder who's managed to stay healthy. Everyone else -- Dembele (now gone to China), Dier, Wanyma, Winks -- has missed significant time. Sissoko has started 25 league games, while Winks has started 17, Dier 14, Dembele 7, Wanyama 3, and Skipp 2. By staying healthy and playing competently, he's basically saved the season.Clearly, the new stadium is a difference maker. It seemed loud in there from the TV feed.
I have to think Poch’s work with Sissoko is nothing short of miraculous. I would have settled for replacement level production, but keeps looking incredible. He really seems to have found away to maximize Sissoko’s dominant size, speed and passing instincts while minimizing the impact of his limitations
Not crazy, at all.Maybe I’m crazy but I think Sissoko has been their most valuable player this season
"Competent" is a genuine understatement for what Moussa has become. Even against the floor scraping expectations we all had to start the season.By staying healthy and playing competently, he's basically saved the season.
Agreed. He's underrated even by Spurs fans and almost entirely ignored by football media. Been our best center back and had the amazing left back cameo in Champions League (we may see again)...I think Jan deserves a ton of credit
As perhaps the only person in the "Llorente is not THAT bad" camp, I have to bring up that his own true skill couldn't have emerged at a more important time. He definitely needs to do something with Shakira!Agreed. I actually think Llorente has been pretty good considering the expectations and the team has played well when he’s been on the field. He’s slow as molasses but he’s knows how to position his big body in front of the net and can cause some problems in the six yard box.
Despite their own loss, a great weekend's results for Spurs. Since the probabilities add up to 200%, that appears to only take into account EPL qualification. They're also given a 15% chance to qualify via winning the Champions League Final.After this weekend's results, per 538 Spurs moved fro 78% to 89% to qualify for Champions League.