Tottenham Hotspur are ‘within touching distance’ of confirming when their new stadium will open, according to talkSPORT presenter Jim White.
The recent troubles saw the club relocate matches with Liverpool and Cardiff City to Wembley, when the former game was set to open the new arena on September 15.
Meanwhile, there is no set ground for their home match against Manchester City in late October, leading some opposition fans to demand a points deduction if they use a third stadium.
Spurs supporters have been left furious by the uncertainty surrounding the date when they will be able to move into their new home after testing revealed ‘issues with the critical safety systems’.
But it appears fans may have some positive news shortly as further testing is ongoing and contractor Mace has put boots on the ground to correct the faults which were found.
Jim White announced on talkSPORT: “Apart from one aspect of the project everything is complete.
“The sliding pitch has been tested, and it’s complete. They’re all good with the roof, the seats, the museum is ready, offices are brand spanking new, ready to be occupied. Everything is there and ready but last Monday the 13th of the month, proved to be unlucky for the club.
“A contractor’s report showed a problem with critical safety systems. This involves the ability to evacuate the building safely, the PA system, and the fire alarm system, which has to be working, but there were a number of unexpected installation errors when it was tested.
“And I stress, that was only discovered last Monday, not before.
“So Tottenham made provisions with extra games at Wembley and this morning I am told that although they are within touching distance of announcing it, the club still cannot say, hand on heart, when the first game inside the new stadium will actually be.
“The club is devastated by the news but, of course, that system has got to work. It’s as simple as that, without one, let alone a few, installation errors. It cannot work without being absolutely fool proof.
“I have to stress this was totally unexpected to the football club. The testing for this work was completed a long time ago, 18 months ago, but clearly, according to Tottenham, the workmanship in this area has not been good enough. It has let them down. The club feels let down as a result and is totally reliant on the contractors sorting it out.”
And White added a resolution may be on the way in the foreseeable future, although supporters are urged to remain patient.
He continued: “Tottenham will get another update today and they are waiting to hear at any time that a green light can be given for the opening of the new stadium.
“Although they have to remain cautious and although they have to get it right, until they get it right they cannot put a timescale on it. And I totally understand that.
“But at the very top of the club there is a massive feeling of disappointment that the contractors let down the football club and has, in turn, let down the fans.
“A spokesman at Tottenham this morning tells me, ‘we ask again for the fans’ patience, we hit an unforeseen hurdle in the home straight but now we’re so close to going in we assure the supporters of Tottenham it is going to be worth it.’
“So let me finish on a few positives this morning. So keen are the contractors and the club to get this over the line 3,800 people are working 24/7 at the stadium.
“The price of the stadium hasn’t gone up. The stadium comes in at between £400million and £450million but with the hotel, the museum and everything else that goes with it the figure is closer to £800million. And I know for a fact it’s being paid for by club resources and bank finance. It’s all done, all in place.
“The contractors, Mace, have come to us with a statement and said: ‘The contractor recognises the problem and acknowledges the problem and they are working day and night to sort it’.”
