West Ham’s bid to take over the tenancy for the Olympic stadium has had a mixed reaction and has divided the West Ham faithful but the question is should we stay? Or should we go? Or is it even going to happen now?
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So let’s start at the beginning, West Ham & Newham Council and Tottenham Hotspur & AEG were the two main initial bids made to take over the stadium with Boris Johnson stating he would prefer a football club to take up residency and West Ham were the preferred bid. West Ham discussed the £100 million conversion to a 60,000 seater stadium and that we could also use if for NFL, Athletics and for Cricket events.
To break the long part down, in Feb 2011 West Ham were named the unanimous number one choice but Leyton Orient complained that West Ham would be too close to their ground which would break FA rules. March 2011 came and West Ham’s bid was approved by the British Government and Boris Johnson. Numerous complaints and appeals followed from Tottenham and Orient. The deal to sell the Stadium to West Ham then collapsed and so we are now locked in the middle of a battle to get in on a rented agreement……
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To talk more about the perks and the disadvantages of moving on is matter of personal opinion so let me give you mine…
Perks – the main advantage will be a financial one. Increased capacity could mean more revenue from ticket sales, the increased stature of the club and its reputation could attract more sponsorship deals, the selling of the Boleyn Ground would improve cash flow by using the revenue to pay off debt and reduce outgoings, potential buyers and investors could be attracted once the decision is made on the Stadium whereas the club is currently in limbo. Another potential advantage is the calibre of players that could be attracted, using the example of Manchester City, after their move which attracted investors to drastically improve their squad.
Drawbacks – the obvious drawback that has been discussed heavily is the loss of West Ham history by leaving Upton Park. It is feared that moving to the Olympic Stadium will lose atmosphere especially with the running track around the pitch. The retractable seats should go some way to combat this but many feel it is not enough. If the move goes ahead it will be important for Gold and Sullivan to ensure that this marks the beginning of a new future for the club and the start of a new era of success that can go down in history along with previous golden days in by gone eras.
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In conclusion, although I would not want us to become like Man City as I feel more steady investment and growth would lead West Ham to long term success, it is clear from clubs such as this that moving to a new ground can create exciting new times but it is important to understand the feelings of fans with regards the club history. This is something that Sam Allardyce recently acknowledged when he discussed the need to move to the new stadium to develop to the next level of the Premiership and European football. With constant delays and re-turns on decisions it is no wonder that fans are uncertain of the move. A decision needs to be quickly made either way, without the possibility of further appeals. West Ham has been favourite for the stadium from the start but two years of delays are becoming frustrating for all fans regardless of their opinion of the move, and reports that a move to the stadium may not be possible until 2015 only heighten this.
I am not fully convinced of the move with regards to the loss of Hammer atmosphere that we have a strong reputation for at the Boleyn, but I do feel that this move is necessary to secure the future of the club and its success. Surely the atmosphere created during the Olympics could be attained by the ever-strong supporters of the Hammers!?!?
Carl Bateson
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NO. In that mock up the artist has cleverly stretched the stadium into a more ovular shape from its current round shape. Even on that picture, where I currently sit, behind the goal in the Bobby Moore Lower, I will be miles from the action in the OS, and seeing what is going on down the other end of the pitch will be even more difficult. Atmosphere will be shit, we won’t fill it. Cost of redeveloping it is extortionate. Upton Park is big enough. Plus we can redevelop the east stand. The other 3 stands at Upton Parkhave all been rebuilt since the 1990’s.
Say No To Stratford
NO. Where I currently sit, behind the goal in the Bobby Moore Lower, I will be miles from the action in the OS, and seeing what is going on down the other end of the pitch will be even more difficult. Atmosphere will be shit, we won’t fill it. Cost of redeveloping it is extortionate. Upton Park is big enough. Plus we can redevelop the east stand. The other 3 stands at Upton Park have all been rebuilt since the 1990’s
was the Atmosphere shit at the Olympics??? from what i seen and from what i heard it was immense
look if we are to get bigger and win cups we need to move upton park is dated and yes i love our atmosphere but its going to take time when we move to get that back.