We are delighted to announce that the famous Bill Nicholson Gates - which stood proudly in front of our old White Hart Lane stadium for generations - are returning home this summer.
The iconic black and gold wrought iron gates - which became synonymous with the great Bill Nic following a famous photograph taken by Peter Robinson in the 1970s - have been kept safely in storage since 2015, having been removed ahead of the construction of our new stadium.
Bill himself first stepped through those gates as a young player in 1936 when he arrived for a trial, going on to be a key player in Arthur Rowe’s trailblazing 1950-51 League title winning side before himself becoming the Club’s most decorated manager, achieving a League and FA Cup Double in 1961 and our first ever European triumph two years later - the start of what became a trophy-laden era in N17.
Generations of fans, players and staff followed in Bill’s footsteps through the gates on the way to White Hart Lane and we recognise their significant cultural and historic value.
As such, we have taken our time in finding the most appropriate location to reinstate the gates within the new stadium environs - mindful of the significant levels of construction and change 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 at the north of the stadium - at which the gates will be reinstated.
Enabling works have now commenced with a view to the gates being in position ahead of our first home Premier League match of the season against Burnley on Saturday 16 August.
The gates will provide a fantastic photo opportunity for fans on matchdays and a key point of local interest - forming part of our Heritage Tour that offers fans and visitors an in-depth journey through the Club and the area’s storied past, architectural gems and the remarkable individuals who have shaped its legacy.
Daniel Levy, Chairman, said: “The Bill Nicholson Gates are such a significant part of our Club’s heritage and I am extremely proud they will be returning home this summer.
“We were never going to rush into a decision as to where they should be reinstated, given the huge amount of works that have taken place in the area over recent years.
“We have undertaken a carefully-planned process, working with our architects, construction partners and Fan Advisory Board, and I believe we have found a fitting solution.
“We look forward to welcoming fans back to the stadium for the coming season - as well as Bill’s family members and former players - to see the gates and feel that close connection between our Club and its rich history.”