The French media have spoken about their admiration for Tottenham Ham fans when asked about which grounds have the best atmosphere of the Premier League London clubs.
Tottenham’s London rivals have in recent years moved to modern grounds like West Ham United and Arsenal, but the North London side have occupied White Hart Lane for over 100 years.
Speaking to France Football, L’Equipe journalist Vincent Duluc believes Tottenham have now taken over from West Ham after the East London side move to the Olympic stadium this summer. Duluc said of the London clubs currently playing in the Premier League he believes White Hart Lane has the best atmosphere, whilst France Football’s Thierry Marchand thinks the ground is like a cauldron in the same way the Parc des Princes is.
“Now, yes, it may be that they the best atmosphere in London (Premier League),” said Duluc.
“There is a little special echo, like the Parc des Princes,” said Marchand when comparing White Hart Lane to PSG’s stadium.
Despite these positive comments for Tottenham’s atmosphere, there is a concern among the French media now West Ham have moved away from Upton Park, and in particular with L’Equipe journalist Erik Bielderman.
The Frenchman said in the past he’d attended games at West Ham’s former ground, but since the move to the Olympic stadium it’s brought a new type of supporter. He believes the new ground is a total contrast to Upton Park, and will soon become mainly for ‘customers’.
“These are not fans but spectators. My first match in England dates back more than thirty years standing at West Ham. It was hard, now it will become customers,” said the L’Equipe journalist.
Of the four biggest clubs in London, Tottenham Hotspur’s ground has the smallest capacity since West Ham’s move to their new stadium. However, work has now begun on White Hart Lane which will see the capacity increase to 61,000 in time for the 2018/19 season.
