TOTTENHAM have made a bizarre U-turn by embracing the name ‘Tottenham’ again almost two years after telling broadcasters not to use it.
The North London club sparked confusion among supporters in 2024 when they insisted they should only be referred to as , THFC or simply Spurs.
But the club have now softened their stance following a backlash from fans who were left baffled by the decision to distance themselves from their traditional name.
According to The Athletic , supporters arriving at the Hotspur Stadium this season have been greeted by giant screens displaying the words ‘This is Tottenham’.
The message marks a significant change in direction for a club that previously went to extraordinary lengths to stop people calling them Tottenham.
The controversy began in November 2024 when Spurs unveiled a new ‘remastered brand identity’ alongside a set of strict naming guidelines.
Their official Brand Playbook stated: “When referring to the team or the brand, please use ‘Tottenham Hotspur’, ‘Tottenham Hotspur Football Club’ or ‘THFC’.”
It added: “Never refer to our Club as ‘Tottenham’, ‘Tottenham Hotspur FC’ or ‘TH’.”
The unusual demand was taken a step further in February 2025 when the Premier League contacted broadcasters to inform them of the club’s wishes.
The message read: “Tottenham Hotspur have provided clarification regarding the club’s name.”
It continued: “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.”
subsequently changed their on-screen graphics, replacing Tottenham with either Tottenham Hotspur or Spurs.
But the move left supporters scratching their heads, with many having referred to their beloved club as Tottenham for generations.
Now, following changes behind the scenes, Spurs chiefs are understood to be keen to reconnect with the club’s roots and the local community.
That renewed emphasis on identity has already seen the relaunch of the club’s Hall of Fame and the introduction of legacy numbers for the women’s team.
The club also commissioned a short film titled “Tottenham ‘Til I Die”, produced by former goalkeeper Alfie Whiteman and narrated by actor .
Released in August, the film celebrated the club’s connection to the area of North London where it has played since 1882.
And the change has been welcomed by supporters, with representatives praising the return of the Tottenham name during a Fans Advisory Board meeting on September 22.
