The future for Tottenham

Tottenham's first-team squad may be ageing but their training facilities could soon be the brightest and best in the Premiership,

The club today submitted a planning application to Epping Forest District Council for a £22m state-of-the-art training centre at Abridge, Essex.

The complex would be home to the first team and youth academy and is central to Tottenham's five-year development plan to attract the best local talent.

Tottenham director of football David Pleat said: "Our new centre will be one of the finest in the world and will enable us to compete with the top clubs in Europe.

"If you have a talented youngster they will want to come to Tottenham and learn the game in a wonderful environment."

Spurs hope to complete the ambitious project by the start of the 2005-2006 season, making it one of the few Premiership clubs with combined facilities for first team and youth players.

The grounds will feature two first-team practice pitches, together with an all-weather pitch, goalkeeping practice areas and a running and cycling track. The expanded youth academy will boast seven practice pitches for each of the age groups training as well as additional outdoor practice areas.

The centre-piece of the proposal, designed by London-based architects KSS, is a space-age hydrotherapy and physiotherapy centre. The pavilion will be partially submerged underground, with its roof covered in natural turf to reduce the impact on green-belt surroundings.

If the plans are approved, Tottenham's existing training ground at Spurs Lodge will become a centre for a significantly expanded Football in the Community project.