Tottenham have asked Premier League broadcasters to refer to them as 'Tottenham Hotspur' or 'Spurs' in a bizarre request.
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Tottenham make name change requestAsk broadcasters not to call them 'Tottenham'Club prefer 'Tottenham Hotspur' or 'Spurs'Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
A report by The Athletic revealed the club sent an email to TV rights-holders around the world asking to be known as either their full name or nickname, in an email titled: "Tottenham Hotspur: Naming Update". It resulted in Sky Sports graphics subtly changing ahead of last Sunday's clash with Manchester United, with Ange Postecoglou referred to as 'Tottenham Hotspur head coach' rather than 'Tottenham head coach'.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE
It has been club policy not to call themselves just 'Tottenham' since 2011, a reference to Tottenham being the name of the area in London rather than the club. However the club's request to broadcasters comes as a result of a "remastered brand identity", which was rolled out in November.
WHAT TOTTENHAM SAID
In the email, Tottenham said: "Tottenham Hotspur have provided clarification regarding the club’s name. They have requested that the club are primarily known as Tottenham Hotspur, with Spurs being the preferred short version. The club have requested that they are not referred to as Tottenham."
Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR TOTTENHAM?
Spurs are struggling on the field this season, the club sitting 12th in the Premier League table ahead of Saturday's trip to Ipswich. Postecoglou's side lost their Carabao Cup semi-final to Liverpool and are out of the FA Cup, though success in the Europa League remains a possibility. They will play AZ Alkmaar in the last 16 of that competition.