Paul Coyte; sadly gone at Spurs (but won’t be forgotten)
By Don Scully
Paul Coyte was a friend, not just to me but to millions of Spurs fans worldwide. He was easily accessible to everybody and was willing to chat and talk about Spurs, a charming guy.
Paul Coyte has taken to Twitter to divulge that he has been notified by the club, a club that he has served loyalty for many years, and just a matter of days before the Premier League opener against City, that his services are no longer required. What a way to treat a loyal servant, but that is what we are coming to expect from Levy & Lewis. No compassion towards the club (the beating heart), its history or fans. Just what money the club can make.
Paul has worked as a matchday compere for Spurs at home fixtures for the past 16 years and was a well-liked person for those in the stands at both the old White Hart Lane and the new Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. His interviews were always insightful. And he was always worth listening to.
Why was he removed? I do know that he is upset, but there are a lot of politics going on behind the scenes (not always to the benefit of the club or its fans). Probably his face didn’t fit with the new regime or the modern money-making Tottenham machine. Or they just wanted a younger person (male or female) to be the face of Tottenham’s new enterprise? Who knows what goes on in the minds of those that run our club.
Paul still can be heard on talkSPORT 2’s breakfast radio show. As for his position – which he now has vacated as Spurs public voice – nothing is known.
As he was a popular figure at our ground, news of Coyte’s exit has NOT been well received by many of the Tottenham faithful, who have sent their good wishes on social media.
From Paul Coyte, himself:
@Coytey
12 Aug
I’ve found out that my work is now at an end at my beloved club. 16 years and cherished every moment. Made so many friends on and off the pitch. It was a dream come true. Get behind the team and Up the Spurs. Coytey X
Some of the comments:
“Gutting this. No one can replace you, Paul. Proper Spurs!”
“I’ve been going to spurs for basically 20 years, will be strange not having you about the place! Good luck with what you do next and up the Spurs.”
From Julie Welch, the Spurs historian and writer: “Oh Coytey, this actually feels worse than losing Kane.”
And many more in the same vein.
Thoughts
Some fans have questioned the direction Levy & Lewis are taking the club. Most fans feel dejected and that a gulf has opened up between them and the club since the new stadium was built. Money has taken over from warmth and familiarity. But of course, others might see it differently, more so the younger breed of fans who only know cash-cow politics in running football clubs.
By Don Scully
I have been following Spurs since the sixties and work in London. My current job is as a professional writer (working in the media), and I have work connections to the club and had previously worked for them. Including working at the old White Hart Lane stadium.
I also have my own blog and have written for the SpursWeb app & its website.
