Tottenham has officially announced that the famous Bill Nicholson Gates – who was proudly stood for our old White Heart Lane Stadium for generations – return home this summer.
The iconic black and golden wrought -iron gates – which were synonymous with the big Bill Nic after a famous photo made by Peter Robinson in the 1970s – have been kept safely in storage since 2015, after they have been removed prior to the construction of our new stadium.
Bill himself stepped through those gates for the first time as a young player in 1936 when he arrived for a test, an important player in Arthur Rowe's Trailblazing 1950-51 League Title Winning Side before he became the most decorated manager of the club, won a competition in 1961 and our first European Touble in 1961 and our first Europeanpph in our first Europeanpph in our first Europeanph in our first Europeanph in our first Europeanph and our first European phap1ph and our first European phap1ph and our first European phap1ph in 1961h1ph and our first Europeanpph in 1961ph and our first Europeanpph in 1961h1h1h1ph and our first Europeanpph in 1961h. 1961.
Generations of fans, players and employees followed in Bill's footsteps through the gates on their way to White Hart Lane and we recognize their important cultural and historical value.
As such, we have taken the time to find the most suitable location to restore the gates within the new stadium size – taking into account the considerable construction levels and change that the area has seen over the past decade.
Working in close consultation with our fan Advisory Board (FAB), we have identified a location within Paxton17, between the ticket office and historic buildings in the north of the stadium – where the gates are restored.
Switching on work has now started with a view to the gates that are in position prior to our first home Premier League match of the season against Burnley on Saturday, August 16.
The Gates offer a fantastic photo option for fans on match days and an important point of local interest – making part of our heritage tour that offers fans and visitors a profound journey through the club and the legendary past of the area, architectural gems and the remarkable individuals who have formed his legacy.
Daniel Levy, chairman, said: “The Bill Nicholson Gates are such an important part of our club's heritage and I am extremely proud that they will return home this summer.
“We would never make a decision where they should be restored, given the enormous amount of works that have taken place in the area in recent years.
“We have undertaken a carefully planned process, together with our architects, construction partners and fan consultancy council, and I believe we have found a suitable solution.
“We look forward to welcoming fans to the stadium for the coming season – as well as Bill's family members and former players – to see the gates and to feel that close connection between our club and the rich history.”
The iconic, original photo that the Bill Nicholson Gates gave, their name can currently be seen in OOF Gallery, in addition to some of the largest works by Peter Robinson, until 31 August.
'Double Vision' is investigating Robinson's 60-plus-year-old career and documents world football from the lower competitions to the very first level. The exhibition splits its work into a series of theme sections, from the psychology of taking a penalty, to players who poke injury and hurriedly drawn shirt numbers.
Robinson appears in OOF Gallery -accessible via the Spurs Shop at the Tottenham experience -Signing Limited Edition -Prints of the famous Bill Nic photo on Saturday 12 July, between 1 p.m.
Spurs Legends Ossie Ardiles and Martin Chivers also appear and sign special edition -prints of Robinson photos in which they can be seen.
Signed prints can be reserved until Thursday 10 July via OOF, with a donation of proceeds that are made to the Tottenham Tribute Trust-a first charity of his kind that focuses on serving the needs of our former players who are in a situation that endangers their quality of life.