Tottenham to begin White Hart Lane demolition on Monday

Demolition crews will descend on White Hart Lane on Monday, almost immediately after Tottenham play their last-ever match in their home of 118 years.

Club chairman Daniel Levy confirmed on Tuesday, per ESPN, that no time would be wasted following Tottenham’s match against Manchester United. The company responsible for the club’s new stadium will take control of the Lane by the next morning and work will commence.

Or, rather, continue. Tottenham have done virtually everything they could to lay the foundation for their new upgraded home before leaving White Hart Lane for good.

Last summer, one corner of the stadium was demolished to allow for part of the new stadium. The work precluded the Lane’s use in the Champions League group stages or Europa League knockout rounds. Those matches were played at Wembley, where Tottenham will reside next season as construction continues.

Now, the club are lining the construction area with club crests, and by this time next week White Hart Lane itself will begin to fade from the skyline.

Leaving the Lane is a dramatic change for Tottenham. They remain unbeaten there this season, having won the last 13 matches straight. It is no overstatement to say that Spurs would not be where they are in the table right now were it not for the fortress of White Hart Lane.

Both Levy and Mauricio Pochettino’s primary concern going forward will be how well this team adapts to the environs of Wembley next season, and to the new stadium thereafter.

That is a real concern after lackluster performances in the England national team’s home this season. First in the Champions League, then in the Europa League and finally in the FA Cup semifinal, Spurs appear unable to overcome Wembley’s cavernous feel and larger pitch.

Such problems are fixable however, and they will likely be remembered as nothing more than growing pains as the club transitions to the next level.

Spurs’ new 61,500 seat stadium — set to open in 2018/19 barring delays — is the ultimately symbol of that progress. It will be a home more fitting of title contenders, not to mention a welcome addition to the club’s revenue stream.

Next: Twitter Tuesday: Tottenham tweets prior to final home match at the Lane

As rosy as the future might look, it remains difficult to see such a hallowed ground pass onto history. The club will be hoping to mark the occasion with a win over United on Sunday.