In 1899, Tottenham played their first match at White Hart Lane, and 5,000 fans turned out to watch them beat Notts County 4-1 in a friendly. In May of this year, their 118 year tenancy came to an end in similar style but to even larger fanfare, with a 2-1 win over Manchester United.
Here, we take a look at that final match, along with what lies ahead for Spurs.
The final game
It was the stuff of fairy tales. Harry Kane, who is probably the one modern day player that even those who know nothing about football associate with Tottenham, scored the team’s final goal at White Hart Lane.
But the record of last goal ever fell to the man who always has to have the last word, with Wayne Rooney’s consolation goal for United leaving the final scoreline at 2-1 in Tottenham’s favour.
At half time, Chas and Dave, a London institution that has been around almost as long as “The Lane,” entertained the crowd with their cheeky cockney charm, and after the match, Tottenham legends from the past took to the field one last time. These included Ledley King, Teddy Sheringham and, of course, Ossie Ardeles, who has spent the last few years meeting and greeting fans on the new famous White Hart Lane tour. But the final word went to the fans themselves, who streamed onto the pitch in what must have been the most emotional and good-natured pitch invasion of all time, within minutes of the final whistle.
Plans for 2017
Hours later, the demolition teams moved in, to begin the four-month process of taking everything apart, ready for the new stadium to be completed. But of course, while all that is going on, there is a season of football to be played. Tottenham had a real chance of glory last year, finishing runners up to Chelsea, and many think they could take the next step this year. Those who like a gamble can see the best football betting odds here, and for many, the smart money is on Spurs.
In fact, it could be that the biggest obstacle they will have to overcome is themselves. They will play their home games at Wembley, and need to make sure this does not prove a distraction. The ground is only a short distance up the road, but playing at the home of football brings its own pressures.
Looking forward
Construction of the new ground got underway last year, and the replacement has been gradually forming alongside the old ground, waiting for the moment to swallow it forever. The partially built steel construction is already a familiar site to those travelling through North London, and when demolition of the old ground is finished, this steel structure will rapidly complete.
According to the developers, this should happen by the end of the year, whereupon attention will focus to the interior, ready to kick off the first match in August 2018. Who knows, perhaps it will be another win for the history books. You would certainly not bet against it.