West Ham United supporters came together today to show that they care deeply about the way that their club is run. Not only on the pitch, but as this protest has demonstrated, off the pitch too.
They turned out to remind the owners, and anyone watching, that a change of ownership is still a priority. As they always do, they stood together behind the team come kick-off. The atmosphere in the ground was positive, but unfortunately it was not enough to help the Hammers to another 3 points.
Members felt it necessary to stage a demonstration while the team were playing well, so as to send a clear message clarifying where the frustrations with our owners lie.
At the AGM, they accepted the turnout would not be comparable to a demonstration held when results were poor, but felt it important nonetheless to understand the strength of feeling around key issues away from the football. You can read our key messages in detail in our supporter vision.
When surveyed, with West Ham sitting 4th in the Premier League, ‘continuing the campaign for a change of ownership’ was identified as a priority among our members.
It would be fair to say that disputes between supporters and owners often coincide with poor football results. It is difficult to think of many other clubs that have staged successful protests, achieving national press coverage, set against the backdrop of their team playing superbly on the pitch.
Hammers United, an FSA affiliated supporter’s association, was tasked with doing just that by its membership, reaffirmed by those members at our AGM last month.
We saw this as a pivotal moment for our group.
We felt this demonstration might spark debate on social media and achieve coverage in the national press as the team were playing so well. Thankfully it did. Those who might ask why the campaign continues through a period of good form are asking the questions we want them to.
Circumstances have changed dramatically since our last mass demonstration. West Ham were in the bottom three when we called our last mass demonstration. West Ham had only recently re-appointed David Moyes and many supporters were sceptical about that move when we called our last mass demonstration. Our owners were extremely vocal in trying to refute criticism around the time of our last mass demonstration.
West Ham are now in Europe, West Ham are playing fantastically well in the league and supporters completely trust David Moyes. Oddly, it is also fair to say that the trio of David Gold, David Sullivan and Karren Brady have been rather quiet in the media of late.
Throw in a petrol crisis and the not so reliable Sunday service on the trains, a Sunday midday meeting time and a general desire to return to simply enjoying your match day routine following the lifting of COVID restrictions, and you’d be forgiven for wondering ‘will ANYONE turn up to a protest at West Ham United right now?’
The peaceful gathering of around 400 fans two hours before kick-off, outside the director’s entrance, was a symbol of unity. Supporters clearly still believe we deserve better at our football club.
We deserve owners who might be honest about the money they take from the club, or even owners who might not take any money at all until they sell their shares.
We deserve owners who might build us our own home. With our own supporter’s club and our own museum. With seats close to the pitch, with steep and connected tiers, with a ‘kop’ behind the goal and with an enclosed and intimate feel.
We deserve owners who might value our support and reflect that value in the service they provide. With stewards employed by our club, travel that might benefit away fans and transparent ticketing policies that prioritise West Ham United supporters.
We deserve owners who will cherish our community. Where independent sellers are looked after, local pubs and cafes thrive and community is at the heart of match day.
We deserve owners who might engage meaningfully with supporters on the matters that affect their match day experience. A structure should be put in place for supporters to have representation at board meetings where topics that directly affect them are discussed.
It is encouraging to see just how many West Ham supporters truly share these values and want to fight for them. Particularly when we are all enjoying the football so much.
We want Gold, Brady and Sullivan out of our club.
The campaign will continue.
Come on You Irons.
Long Live West Ham.
