When Karen Brady suggested that West Ham United could change their name to West Ham Olympic she invited much criticism from fans. She has since insisted that her comments were taken out of context and was simply eulogising about the Hammers’ exciting plans to relocate to the Olympic Stadium in Stratford. The West Ham vice-chairmen has been on a charm offensive in recent days, outlining the club’s detailed plans for the stadium as the decision on its future draws nearer. Her comments in interviews are a marked departure from the initial remarks of co-owners Gold and Sullivan who rather clumsily argued that without their presence the stadium would become a white elephant. Brady has sought to construct relationships with other interested parties to show that West Ham’s tenancy would be the logical choice. But will a potential move away from Upton Park be the logical decision for Hammers’ fans?
West Ham have the distinct advantage of being the only Premier League club with a discernible interest in moving to the Olympic Stadium. Whereas the east London outfit initially appeared to be rather abrasively calling the shots regarding the stadium’s future, there is now no shortage of interested partners backing the move. The club’s bid has been made in conjunction with Newham Council who plan to make provisions for health and educational facilities in the vicinity of the stadium. There have also been congenial talks with UK Athletics and Essex County Cricket Club aimed at making the site multi-purpose. Adapting the stadium for PL football whilst incorporating a running track will be an architectural challenge and there is the cost of reducing capacity, introducing turnstiles and adding a roof. However with the resultant sale of Upton Park and help of key partners these changes should be affordable. “So we think we are the natural and logical solution,” Brady told BBC News. Will she and the club be able to carry the fans with them on this wave of enthusiasm?
A section of the Upton Park faithful will be reticent at the prospect of moving away from the Boleyn Ground. Despite its redevelopments over the years the ground is steeped in history and tradition. There would be no ‘chicken run,’ Bobby Moore Stand or Sir Trevor Brooking Stand at the Olympic site. Even Hammers legend Billy Bonds has reservations citing the current ground’s fantastic atmosphere, surrounding pubs and statue dedicated to the West Ham boys of 1966. Karen Brady has acknowledged that fans will always be sceptical of change but there are many reasons why the move should be a ‘no brainer’ for the Olympic Park Legacy Committee and the supporters.
The greater capacity of the Olympic Stadium should mean cheaper ticket prices for most as well as more chances for non-season ticket holders to attend the biggest games. In the long term higher gate receipts will return more income which would hopefully be ploughed back into the club and the ever important transfer kitty. Regardless of money the chance to play at this great stadium in front of 60,000 passionate fans will make West Ham a more enticing prospect for any player weighing up a move to east London. The most important reason why fans should back these proposals though was expressed by the vice-chairman and resident star of The Apprentice. Many fans were born around east London but have since moved out to parts of Essex where support remains high. Levels of support, however, have dwindled in the borough of Newham. A walk around east London would reveal more kids in the replica shirts of Arsenal and Chelsea than the claret and blue of the Irons. Having a breathtaking stadium with increased capacity would represent the best way of attracting and energising the next generation of Hammers fans.
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