Spurs awaiting approval for new player lodge

The London Evening Standard reports today that Spurs are awaiting approval to begin construction on a new 45-room player lodge. This new complex would be very close to Tottenham's Enfield training complex.

The proposed lodge, which would have 45 rooms, would be used to house Tottenham first team and youth players. Here's what the Standard has to say about the proposed new project:

It is understood that, if the plans are approved, England could use the site before home fixtures, while Barcelona and AC Milan are thought to have expressed an interest in staying there when they prepare for European matches in London.

The planning application was submitted to Enfield Council on October 6 and Tottenham hope there will be a positive decision as early as February next year. Club staff then made a presentation to the council on November 4. There have been extensive consultations and Spurs are optimistic they will be given the thumbs-up.

This new project, in conjunction with the Northumberland Development Project and the proposed new stadium, is a continuation of Daniel Levy and ENIC's continued emphasis on improving the quality of Tottenham's facilities. We've seen this kind of thing happen a lot, especially in college athletics programs in the United States. The theory goes: building excellent facilities increases the odds of attracting excellent talent. Develop excellent talent and the team improves.

Spurs may not be playing top-level football equivalent to the best clubs in the world, but they're quietly building the foundation upon which Spurs can improve to that level. Should this new facility be approved, it's one more brick in that foundation, and it's an exciting time to be a Spurs fan.