Tottenham given emphatic response to ambitious bid – Times
By Matt Farr
Tottenham have failed in their attempts to alter the pitch dimensions at their new Wembley Stadium home, according to a report.
The Times claim that the Premier League have reached the emphatic decision to deny Tottenham the opportunity to make changes to the pitch ahead of the new season.
The north Londoners had sought to give Wembley, where they will play their home games for the 2017-18 season, more of a personal touch by reducing the size of the pitch to a more comfortable level for their own players.
Tottenham’s high-pressing game is better suited to a compact area, with their former White Hart Lane home boasting just a 100metre by 67metre pitch, the second smallest in the Premier League.
However, Wembley’s pitch stands at 105metres by 69metres, and Tottenham fear it could severely impact their own playing style and performances.
Tottenham struggled to perform at the ground last season, winning just one of their five European matches, but they are now set to return to the stadium for a prolonged stay.
Their bid to reduce pitch size can be considered an ambitious move, however, given Wembley will only serve as a temporary home while construction of their brand new stadium at their former White Hart Lane sit continues.
But their approach appeared doomed for the start, after a rule was introduced by the Premier League two years’ ago that standardised pitch sizes to 105metres by 68metres.
Spurs had earlier been granted exception to the rule due the prospect of altering the pitch size at White Hart Lane proving a near-impossible task, but they are not going to earn such royalties at their new home.
In other Tottenham news, in the latest betting update the club are clear favourites to sign this £30million international.
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