The club have been going through a turbulent period and have recently sacked head coach Thomas Frank
Tottenham have been accused by their supporters’ trust of selectively editing the published minutes from a recent fans’ meeting with club executives.
The Tottenham Hotspur Supporters’ Trust (THST) met representatives of the club’s board, including chief executive Vinai Venkatesham, on 3 February – eight days before manager Thomas Frank was sacked.
THST claim the written record released by the club omitted a section detailing fan concerns over the risk of Premier League relegation and the belief generated by winning the Europa League having been “lost”. The group also say a line stating the club “welcomed the input of THST” was removed.
“As a democratic supporters’ organisation elected to represent fans’ views, we believe it is vital that supporters can see what issues are being raised with the club, how those issues are being discussed and what responses are being given,” a THST statement read.
“Publishing a full record of the points raised helps ensure accountability and allows members, and the wider fan base, to understand how the Trust is fulfilling its role on their behalf.
“Transparency is integral to our role and in our dealings with the club.”
The published minutes did include discussion points such as youth players receiving first-team opportunities, the club’s profitability and maintaining authenticity to Tottenham’s traditional style of play, although THST insist the document was not released in full.
Spurs are currently 16th in the Premier League table, five points clear of the relegation zone after winning seven matches this season.
On Friday, they appointed Croatian coach Igor Tudor as interim head coach until the end of the campaign.
His appointment has been met with mixed reactions from the fanbase, with some believing a manager experienced in England’s top flight should have been given the job instead.
But Tudor will have his first opportunity to get fans on his side when Spurs host Arsenal for the North London derby on Sunday.
It represents a chance to move away from the relegation places, but also derail their fiercest rivals’ title charge.
Fans would relish that opportunity, as would their new head coach, who, speaking for the first time as the interim boss, said: “It is an honour to join this Club at an important moment.
“I understand the responsibility I have been handed and my focus is clear. To bring greater consistency to our performances and compete with conviction in every match.
“There is strong quality in this playing squad, and my job is to organise it, energise it and improve our results quickly.”
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta was not pleased to see Frank go – perhaps because of the nature of Spurs’ position.
He added: “Well, always very sad news when you have a colleague that doesn’t continue doing his job, because Thomas is an excellent coach, he’s an extraordinary man as well, and he’s proven that in the league.
“We know where we are. We know that our responsibility is beyond just performance. That sometimes results dictate what happens with us. We wish him all the very best for whatever he decides to do next.”
