• MEMORIES OF WHITE HART LANE - GOODBYE OLD WEST STAND 1980

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      shelf-side
      Published on 30-10-2011 01:06 PM
      3 Comments Comments
      I remember as the 70's turned into the 80's, and development of WHITE HART LANE was beginning.

      In November 1980, work started to demolish the OLD WEST STAND (to be replaced with the current structure), and as a result of this
      capacity was reduced, making it extremely difficult to obtain tickets (for all ticket games - as it was pay at the turnstiles in those days).

      1980/81 was the season that Spurs reached the FA CUP FINAL (against MAN CITY), and during this amazing cup run, Spurs never left London until the SEMI FINAL at HILLSBOROUGH.

      Drawn away to QPR in the 3rd round, Spurs were then drawn at home in the 4th (HULL CITY), 5th (COVENTRY CITY), and 6th (EXETER CITY) rounds, on route to the SEMI FINAL (even the SEMI FINAL REPLAY was in London at Highbury).

      As the months went by, and the demolition phase started, it was sad to see the OLD WEST STAND being ripped apart. First it was gutted of all seats and stonework, leaving just a sad looking shell (see picture above). It was bizaar to see how quickly this was happening, and sad to see the once proud OLD WEST STAND reduced to rubble.


      As I reflect on time's gone by, I remember the games I saw while this work was taking place. Even though Spurs were moving on, and updating their "OUTDATED STADIUM", I still remember the feeling of sadness, at seeing WHITE HART LANE like this. If you look at the two pictures above, you can see the "OLD SHELF-SIDE" through the shell of the OLD WEST STAND.

      Once completely demolished, TOTTENHAM HIGH ROAD could be seen from the SHELF, as a huge gaping hole appeared where the OLD WEST STAND once stood proud, creating a 3 stand stadium at the LANE (see picture below).

      It was eerie, and disjointed to see this huge space at the ground that I love, and have grown up with, still, the team kept winning, and I was lucky enough to still be getting tickets for the FA CUP games.

      15 months later (FEB 1982), the NEW WEST STAND (the current structure) was officially opened for the visit of WOLVES. I remember standing in the SHELF as Spurs "DEMOLISHED" that WOLVES team 6-1. I remember staring in AWE at our modern NEW WEST STAND. These were times when Spurs were really "MARCHING ON"

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      Comments 3 Comments
      1. tedmiami's Avatar
        tedmiami - 31-10-2011, 07:46 AM
        Great photo's and memories. Have to say though that the stadium really needed updating. I'm 60 now and still feel the pain of the crush barriers that used to push into my chest against my ribs while I was standing and how instead of putting up my arms and cheering when we scored I had to grip the barrier and push back against the crowd. Now we need to move on, build again, and double the possible attendance so that we can afford to keep players like Modric and Adebayor.On the subject of reminiscing, I was at the Excel on Sunday (30th Oct) and got to shake hands with the great Ossie Ardiles and then watching Spurs in the afternoon seeing Modric in the position Ossie used to command - not quite the same finesse as our little Argentinian but is starting to show the heart to be Spurs and not just a spurs player.
      1. shelf-side's Avatar
        shelf-side - 31-10-2011, 09:26 PM
        Quote Originally Posted by tedmiami View Post
        Great photo's and memories. Have to say though that the stadium really needed updating. I'm 60 now and still feel the pain of the crush barriers that used to push into my chest against my ribs while I was standing and how instead of putting up my arms and cheering when we scored I had to grip the barrier and push back against the crowd. Now we need to move on, build again, and double the possible attendance so that we can afford to keep players like Modric and Adebayor.On the subject of reminiscing, I was at the Excel on Sunday (30th Oct) and got to shake hands with the great Ossie Ardiles and then watching Spurs in the afternoon seeing Modric in the position Ossie used to command - not quite the same finesse as our little Argentinian but is starting to show the heart to be Spurs and not just a spurs player.

        Hey Tedmiami,
        Glad that you enjoyed the photo's and memories of years gone by. I have to agree with you that the ground was in need of modernisation back then. I also remember the barriers from countless games standing in the SHELF.

        I agree that we need to redevelop again and move on, but my personal opinion is that this needs to be at WHITE HART LANE, and not at Stratford or anywhere else for that matter, again just my personal opinion.

        I enjoyed reading that you recently met with the great OSSIE ARDILES, as he is my favourite Spurs player EVER.....

        You should check out my other stories titled "MEMORIES OF WHITE HART LANE, for a further trip down memory "LANE", you might just like them, and there is a fair selection of yarns from games over the last 30 years.

        Thanks for taking the time to post.......COYS
      1. RiverWire's Avatar
        RiverWire - 31-10-2011, 10:24 PM
        You now have your very own category so people can easily find your write ups Tottenham Hotspur News and Forums - Shelf Side Stories

        Good read again

        COYS!

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