Friends,
I am immensely proud to report that Hammers United are now honoured to represent over 16,000 members. It is your membership that has afforded our group its strength and we continue to work diligently on your behalf. We must continue to grow, organise, mobilise and ultimately achieve change at our great club. We have but one overarching aim: to improve things for all West Ham supporters.
We continue to work towards achieving an independent supporter’s board; formed by the fans, representing the fans. We are also piecing together a long-term vision for our club and our supporters, examining what it means to be emotionally connected to West Ham and what the principles are that the development of our club should be based upon. Your views will be invaluable in this production of a tangible reflection of the culture of West Ham United FC. We believe that together as a committee, a membership and a fanbase we can conquer the much work needed to be done to rebuild our club.
I went to the Soulless Bowl with a few friends from Hammers United to protest against Newcastle. A number of others were there exercising their individual right to protest legally and safely, including the usual gang from Crossed Hammers.
We saw and clapped in Trevor Brooking and applauded and sang bubbles when our team coach came past. David Gold turned back and went in by an alternative entrance. I do not know how David Sullivan got into the ground.
We had a bit of banter with the Police and Stewards, some of whom I believe support us but obviously keep their sentiments to themselves: GSB really do have no friends.
The protest was reported in at least one national newspaper and a friend of mine told me the next day that ‘the Safety Officer was rattled’. I don’t know why, as there was never going to be any trouble.
The thing that stays in my mind most though was that I met a fella called George who came up and introduced himself. George came all the way from Luton on his own to make his individual protest against the Board. He came on his mobility scooter by public transport. He has cerebral palsy. He had to change twice on the tube and God only knows how he negotiated St Pancras and Luton stations late at night.
To see the effort he made was truly inspiring, all to stand up for the club he loves. George showed me that day that the West Ham fans will win the fight to get our club back. With him on the team surely we cannot lose. Thanks mate, it was a great privilege to meet you.
Since then Hammers United were at the Charlton home match and Mr Sullivan passed us in his red roller, I don’t think he was amused!
We were at Arsenal and Wolves match and will be continuing to remind our owners of the very clear message being sent by the fans as the season progresses.
Protests (other than those at the gates) are being organised. Our legal team continues to explore the possibility of legal and safe mass protest and are confident this can be delivered.
We have contacted all the club’s sponsors and urged them to reconsider their position as long as GSB remain our ‘custodians.’
We will also be stepping up the ‘GSB OUT’ campaign on social media and in the Press.
Please tell your West Ham friends and relations about us, our website is www.hammersunited.com
LONG LIVE WEST HAM.
Paul Colborne (Bubbles).
Chairman
