Daniel Levy: Tottenham will leave White Hart Lane even if Olympic Stadium falls through

25 January 2011 13:25
Daniel Levy says Tottenham will leave White Hart Lane even if they lose the much-publicised race to move into the Olympic Stadium. [LNB]Spurs are battling West Ham to be awarded the stadium by the Olympic Park Legacy Company after the London 2012 Games. [LNB] Running battle: Spurs and West Ham have set their sights on the Olympic Stadium[LNB]But Spurs chief Levy told Sky Sports News the club will have to consider other locations if they lose out. [LNB] 'I think the problem with the current situation we're in now at White Hart Lane is the project currently isn't viable so we would have to go back to the drawing board which would mean looking at other locations again,' Levy said. [LNB]'It's one of those emotive items that if we had a choice we'd rather be building here, it's clear for this club to compete at the highest level in the Premier League and in European football we need to solve the stadium. [LNB] 'We need a larger stadium and if that means we have to move out of the area then I think the fans will back us.' [LNB] Contradiction: a large number of Spurs fans have voiced their disapproval over the move to Stratford [LNB] Levy also defended Tottenham's proposal to remove the running track at the Stratford site, given their commitment to redeveloping Crystal Palace athletics stadium.[LNB] 'Not only will we give a physical asset that will be available 365 days a year for athletics to use, compared to the current 20 days as proposed by West Ham, but we will also develop in the community athletics,' Levy said. [LNB] 'It is very important, everyone can talk about the physical asset, but what about the kids and the youth getting more athletics. We will use the power of Tottenham and our brand to associate ourselves with various projects across London.' [LNB] Moving home: Spurs are destined to leave White Hart Lane in the near future [LNB]Former owner Lord Sugar has also backed Tottenham's proposed move to Stratford. [LNB]'If the club is going to go to its next level, and that's what needs to happen now, it needs to become a big club, it needs to have a capacity of 60,000, we'd pack that stadium out every single game,' he said. [LNB] 'We have to do it. We have got to be very conscious that we don't do anything just out of bravado, just to try and imitate say Arsenal and put ourselves into financial trouble.'  Olympic Stadium saga takes new twist as Orient demand to be consideredWest Ham and Tottenham forced to wait on 2012 Olympic Stadium verdictCoe: Britain's reputation is trashed if Spurs land keys to the 2012 stadiumCHARLES SALE: Leyton Orient chairman Barry Hearn bays over Olympic Stadium[LNB]  Explore more:People: Daniel Levy Places: London, Olympic Stadium

Source: Daily_Mail