Spurs executives treated to Michael Jackson songs at new stadium
Daniel Levy gave his Tottenham staff a glimpse of the future as he hosted a Michael Jackson-inspired night at the club’s new stadium.
Manager Mauricio Pochettino and his assistant Jesus Perez were among the guests, mainly heads of department and executive supporters, who were treated to a sneak preview of what they could expect when the stadium finally opens.
Experts believe Tottenham will not be in a position to move into their new home before February.
As part of the event on Thursday night, 11 dancers dressed in full Spurs kit made their way on to the pitch to the club’s entrance music, before performing a routine to a Michael Jackson medley, which started with Smooth Criminal.
Pochettino and Perez dined at chairman Levy’s table, overlooking the pitch which had been fully marked up for the occasion. Guests were also given a tour of the directors’ box and executive lounges.
The presence of Pochettino, who takes his team to Crystal Palace today, further underlined the fact the Argentine intends to lead Tottenham into the new stadium, whenever that might be. Fears have circulated that Pochettino could be tempted away by an offer from Manchester United or Real Madrid.
The Daily Telegraph understands there is no chance of Pochettino leaving mid-season and it remains very unlikely he would consider offers before becoming the first man to stand in the dugout of the new stadium.
Meanwhile, Tottenham are among the clubs waiting to see whether Declan Rice remains true to his word and signs a new West Ham United contract.
Rice this week stated he expected to extend his deal, but the delay in the defensive midfielder doing so has alerted a host of top clubs. Scott Parker was the last player to move directly between West Ham and Spurs in 2011.
Rice has become a regular in midfield under Manuel Pellegrini, yet Tottenham, Manchester United, Chelsea, Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich are all monitoring his situation.
The 19-year-old, whose £3,000-a-week academy contract is believed to run to 2021, said: “I want to sign for West Ham and I think it is going to happen. Playing every week is what is best for me at the moment and, hopefully, the contract can come soon.”