I came across one of West Ham’s supporter groups known as the New York City Hammers or more commonly known as NYC Hammers and I thought it would be interesting if I could get them to give me an interview and answer a few questions about their groups and their opinions. I began speaking to one of the founding members of the supporters group, Sean Fewel, who was more than happy to answer a few questions on why and how they became West Ham fans and their love and interest in West Ham.
Are you on Facebook? Excellent, so are we http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/ForeverWestHamcom/200938616608282
Why was it West Ham that NYC Hammers chose over other UK teams?
I would like to say that the majority of supporters were born in earshot of the Bow Bells, but the real answer is that the majority, including myself, fell into WHUFC through music or family relation to the east end. We all look like we have just been to see The Clash or Cockney Rejects the night before. I feel that this is thee reason that the rich history of the club takes a back seat in their final decision to choose West Ham. I would like to think it’s my infectious wide-eyed enthusiasm that keeps everyone coming back, but that would really sell down the fantastic work the Venue, Smithfield NYC, does to have every West Ham game for us.
Are the majority of NYC Hammers American or ex-pats?
Well we have a mix of both but the majority are American, with new members joining us regularly from both backgrounds.
How do you manage to keep up to date with all team news?
There are a few ways we try to keep up to date. We do get Sky Sports News on a daily basis and we get some news from the internet including the Daily Mirror and Daily Mail websites. The BBC comes in handy but I try to update the supporters by taking the news articles and throwing them into a weekly newsletter to announce when the games are going to be on, it works out easier that way to keep everyone involved. Also Twitter has helped more than any other social media network to notify when games are being shown.
Are the games often shown and how?
Kieron at Smithfield has just about every game shown via Fox internet channel, we couldn’t really ask for anything more from what Smithfield’s offer us! 10 screens, fantastic food and the acceptance for us to hang all our flags there too, you would just think it’s the Boleyn Pub in New York City!
Who are NYC Hammers favourite players?
Di Canio! Ok he doesn’t play anymore but I went to see him play once against Derby and he is still loved now with the NYC Hammers along with Bobby Moore. As for current players Carlton Cole, Mark Noble and Jack Collison are all favourites.
I have got to say Joe Cole’s return has been the talk of the town after his two assists against Manchester United! The “Gingy Taff” James Collins can put in a good game.
Really we expect a player to put some effort towards the game as would any Hammer, and that’s all we can ask and hope for and they have been doing better than expectations. Hurst and Martins are still remembered but not as honoured as Bobby Moore. To end it on, Carlos Tevez will always be apart of the club in our eyes.
How have you found our summer signings?
Well a lot has been eclipsed by the loan signing of Andy Carroll and we are all gagging for him to have a great game. We all feel it’s in the works and it’s only going to be a matter of time before it comes. Carroll could prove his position as a Hammer hero given the chance to settle just like Vaz Te. We are waiting for Carroll to have his moment and we will be waiting in anticipation.
Looking for experience? Just want to be heard outside of the Boleyn? We are currently looking for writers, drop us an email at foreverwestham@snack-media.com for more details
3And what have you made of our January transfers so far?
Well Joe Cole has blown away our expectations with his return debut against Manchester United and we hope to be awed furthermore for the rest of the season. He (Cole) dead legged United with his performance and it’s a performance he never showed at Liverpool and barely got the chance to show at Chelsea. It’s fantastic he is back and able to spread his wings and show the world what he is actually able to do.
Any recommendations from the MLS?
Honestly no. The league is still finding it place in the world of football. It’s nice to go and have a day out watching football that’s close by, but to compete in Britain where the ball moves twice as fast and the competition is so dominant I would not expect anyone to come easily forward toward the Premier League. I mean really, Beckham showed Donovan up and some how Everton think he is a star player! Go figure? So to sum it up I haven’t seen anything special I would want at West Ham coming from the MLS.
What’s your opinion on the Olympic Stadium and why?
Officially it can only bring us up to where we want to be. I personally don’t think there is anything wrong with the Boleyn Ground and neither do the rest of the NYC Hammers. Having said that, times change and we have to move on just like other clubs have. I have been to the Boleyn Ground several times and I have been to the Olympic Stadium for the Olympics. I prefer the Boleyn but you have to let go and enjoy the memories. We have to compete against so many clubs in the league that enjoy a proper payout with the size of there stadiums!
What’s your end of season prediction?
Well we are staying up! We had a good start and there are better candidates for relegation. Next season is yet to be seen.
And finally what are your thoughts on Sam Allardyce?
The jury is still out! If he can keep West Ham on the “Winning way” and performing like they are, he might quiet the criticism of his style and earn a status like the greats such as John Lyall and Ron Greenwood.
Firstly I would like to thank Sean Fewel on taking time out and answering some of my questions, its great to see that West Ham have worldwide support and these are the kind of guy/girls that need to take great credit for the work they do to spread the news and support of everything West Ham!
I can’t wait to one day join the team of NYC Hammers in Smithfield’s New York City for a pint and exchange opinions and have a good laugh as we enjoy a good West Ham game no doubt with its ups and downs as all West Ham fans have became accustomed too.
Sean and everyone at NYC Hammers we salute you.
Give them a follow on Twitter and show them your support @NYCHammers
Follow me on Twitter @BatesonCarl for all feedback/comments and West Ham banter
i THINK THAT IS ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT – PERHAPS THEY WILL GET SOME WEST HAM NEWS BEFORE US.
US Hammers!
Wish there was a support club near me!