The change follows a backlash from supporters after the club introduced strict naming guidelines in November 2024 as part of a remastered brand identity.
The club's Brand Playbook instructed staff and media to use Tottenham Hotspur, Tottenham Hotspur Football Club or THFC when referring to the team or brand.
It went further by stating: âNever refer to our Club as âTottenhamâ, âTottenham Hotspur FCâ or âTHâ.â
The policy subsequently reached broadcasters. In February 2025, the Premier League informed them that Tottenham Hotspur wanted to be known primarily by its full name, with Spurs the preferred shortened version, and specifically requested that the club not be called Tottenham.
Broadcasters including Sky Sports changed their on-screen graphics to reflect the guidance, replacing Tottenham with Tottenham Hotspur or Spurs.
The decision left many supporters baffled. Tottenham has long been used by fans as a familiar name for the club, which has been based in north London since 1882.
Now, however, the club appears to be moving back towards that tradition. Supporters arriving at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this season have seen large screens displaying the message âThis is Tottenhamâ.
The Athletic reported the change as part of a wider effort to reconnect with the club's roots and local community.
Other recent initiatives have also placed greater emphasis on Tottenham's history and identity. The club has relaunched its Hall of Fame and introduced legacy numbers for the women's team.
In August, it released a short film titled *Tottenham 'Til I Die*, produced by former goalkeeper Alfie Whiteman and narrated by actor Himesh Patel. The film celebrated the club's long-standing connection with the area.
The shift has been welcomed by supporters. Representatives reportedly praised the return of the Tottenham name during a Fans Advisory Board meeting on September 22.
The reversal marks a clear change from the club's previous attempt to control how its name was used by broadcasters and others. Rather than distancing itself from a name embedded in generations of supporter identity, Tottenham is once again using it to underline its connection with north London.
The message outside the stadium captures that change in just three words: âThis is Tottenhamâ.