Minutes of Hammers United Committee Meeting held on March 18th 2025
Chair opened the meeting at 6.30pm.
Present
P Colborne (Chair)
A Payne (Joint Secretary)
Committee Members
M Adie, A McConnell, T Messenger, S Patel, L Pearce, D Procter
Guests
M Field, M Inskipp, C Mills, R McFetridge, P Stringfellow
Apologies
Received from A Baker, S Cross, R Moran, I Pinamonti-Hyde, L Rogers, P Turner, C Wells
In his opening remarks Chair expressed his concerns at the large numbers of traditional West Ham fans that had walked away and continued to walk away. This would have severe implications for the Club we all loved.
He hoped that Hammers United could play its part in improving the matchday experience and atmosphere at London Stadium (LS), and that as many as possible of those fans who have walked away could be enticed back.
Chair then spoke of the large numbers of away fans, Premier League fans and tourists in the home sections at L.S., and the away fans presenting safety risks to home supporters. He pointed out that to improve atmosphere we needed to maximise the number of West Ham fans in the stadium.
Chair then went on to remind the committee of last week’s informal meeting and reported that he had subsequently met Andy Payne and Andy McConnell leading to recommendations that questions be put to the Club as follows:
1. Ticket Exchange Refunds
Question: “Will the Club commit to refunding actual cash, rather than Club Cash, for tickets resold via the ticket exchange system before the start of the 2025/26 season?”
If not, “can you provide a clear reason why and what alternative actions the Club is considering?”
Chair pointed out that many fans did not use Ticket Exchange and if the Club refunded actual cash for tickets sold rather than Club Cash, then more supporters would use the system leading to fewer empty seats at the stadium. This in turn would generate more income for the Club.
Lee Pearce moved endorsement, seconded Terry Messenger, carried unanimously.
2. Prioritisation of Ticket Exchange Sales
Question: “Will the Club prioritise Ticket Exchange sales to Claret Members and those on the season ticket waiting list before making them available to the general public?”
If not, “can you provide a clear reason why and what alternative actions the Club is considering?”
Chair hoped this would lead to fewer tickets sold on Ticket Exchange falling into the hands of non West Ham supporters.
Mike Adie moved endorsement, seconded A McConnell, carried unanimously.
3. P1 Travel Ticket Allocation
Question: “Will the Club agree to restricting P1 Travel ticket allocations to designated areas in the upper tier - rather than across multiple blocks?” If not, “can you provide a clear reason why and what alternative actions the Club is considering?”
Andy McConnell moved endorsement, seconded P Colborne, carried unanimously.
4. Safe Standing Implementation
Question: “Will the Club formally commit to implementing a safe standing section at the London Stadium for home fans, subject to regulatory approval?”
If not, “can you provide a clear reason why and what alternative actions the Club is considering?”
At this point P Stringfellow reminded all present of David Gold’s support for speedy introduction of safe standing.
P Colborne moved endorsement, Andy McConnell seconded, carried unanimously.
5. Atmosphere/Singing Section
Question: “Will the Club commit to work with the FAB to establish, as soon as possible, a designated ‘atmosphere/singing section’ at the London Stadium?”
If not, “can you provide a clear reason why and what alternative actions the Club is considering?”
Mike Adie moved endorsement, seconded A Payne, carried unanimously.
6. Family Section Creation
Question: “Will the Club commit to work with the FAB to establish, as soon as possible, a ‘family section’ at the London Stadium?”
If not, “can you provide a clear reason why and what alternative actions the Club is considering?”
We want to explore a transitional approach to designated areas to avoid forcible displacement of season ticket holders.
P Colborne moved endorsement, seconded T Messenger, carried unanimously.
7. Removal of the Wall in Block 113
Question: “Will the Club commit to replacing the wall in Block 113 with netting before the start of the 2025/26 season?”
If not, “can you provide a clear reason why and what alternative actions the Club is considering?”
L Pearce moved endorsement, seconded M Adie, carried unanimously.
At this point A McConnell (working on the assumption that at the next meeting of the FAB all of the above questions will be put to the Club and recorded in the minutes to ensure accountability) suggested in addition to this, one of two outcomes be recorded in the minutes too:
1: Where the Club and fans’ groups are in agreement with the recommended suggestions, a clear timetable will be established which will include, but not be limited to, the date work will begin and the expected date of delivery.
2: In the event that the Club rejects a suggestion, a detailed explanation for the rejection will be provided.
P Colborne moved we take on board AM’s suggestions. This was seconded by A Payne and carried unanimously.
Any Other Business
A McConnell noted with appreciation that the Club had listened to supporters on price increases and concessions but expressed his concerns at the Club subsequently not consulting with the FAB on its proposals for early ST renewals.
All present shared his concerns and agreed the Club must adhere to its obligations on consultation or the FAB would be severely hindered in its efforts on behalf of the fanbase.
There being no further business Chair then closed the meeting at 7.35 pm thanking all for attending.
If you are not already a member of Hammers United please consider joining us.
JOIN HERE >>
Thanks and COYI.
