Tottenham head coach Ryan Mason says the relationship between club and supporters remains "strong" and believes his own background will encourage fans to creative a positive atmosphere on Wednesday night.
10,000 Spurs fans will return to the stadium for the visit of Aston Villa in an atmosphere which promises to be a mix of celebration and unease – amid protests at the club's decision to join the European Super League and unrest at Harry Kane's desire to leave.
The match could be Kane's last at home for his boyhood club, with the England captain believing he has a gentleman's agreement with Daniel Levy to leave this summer and being determined to push through a transfer before the European Championship.
The loss of Kane would be another blow to supporters but Mason took issue with the suggestion that their relationship with the club is fractured.
"I'm not sure I entirely agree in terms of the friction with fans," Mason told Standard Sport. "Our fans will support us tonight, I know that.
"I know a few fans had an opinion [during the protests] and they made it heard but they weren't speaking for every Tottenham fan. Fans will be excited tonight, they're back in the stadium, supporting the team.
"But also they've got an academy graduate representing the football club. So I'm not sure I agree [there's a divide].
"In terms of our relationship with the fans, I feel like it's strong. I know we'll be getting their support and will make a difference."
Harry Kane through the years
Interim boss Mason is aiming to guide the club to a top-six finish before he stands down after Sunday's visit to Leicester, to be replaced by a new permanent manager.
"I think the club is in a great place," he said. "We're strong. We've had a disappointing season, yes, and we're not where we want to be. But the foundations are there for this football club to be very successful.
“Hopefully in our next two games we'll get positive results and performances. Next season will hopefully be a successful one for the football club."
