Each of the statements listed below were made formally by Baroness Brady, on behalf of the West Ham United Board in 2018. These were made to supporters’ groups before Hammers United came into existence, in response to deep unrest.
They are grouped by the six key principles that make up the Hammers United Supporter Vision for supporter engagement. The results of our survey, completed when West Ham sat 4th in the league less than a year ago and when 81% of respondents felt positive about matters at the club from a footballing perspective, are also included to give a sense of the sentiment from the wider fanbase.
Responsibility and Trust
“I hope no-one can question our desire to build a club you can be truly proud of.”
“We share the desire to move forward together and make the improvements you want to see.”
Supporters appear to have lost trust in our owners and want a change of ownership.
Those surveyed saw the campaign for a change in ownership as their number one immediate priority.
Identity and Heritage
“The Club does always strive to show nothing but the utmost respect for our history, which we are ALL proud of.”
“We commit to finding a location for a permanent museum style display that enables the club to showcase its incredible collection of memorabilia currently in storage.” “We will commit to identifying a location/s - either inside London Stadium or in the surrounding areas.”
“We will the consult supporters regarding a potential permanent evolution of the badge ahead of the 125th anniversary.”
Consultation over a potential permanent evolution of the badge has not occurred and 94% of those surveyed believe it should not be changed without this consultation.
66% of those surveyed believe our history and heritage is not suitably represented at London Stadium.
Stadium and Experience
“We need to work with you to improve your matchday experience and I can assure you, you have our full commitment to doing just that.”
“We fully note your concerns and therefore commit to the following: we will work with E20 to determine all possible solutions around seating.”
Hammers United and the ISC have asked to see the result of the work carried out to determine all possible solutions around seating; no information has been provided.
97% of those surveyed felt the design of London Stadium should be further improved to enhance atmosphere.
Community and Supporters
“We have previously written to all former Boleyn stewards to ask if they would like to return and this offer remains very much open – we would welcome them back.”
“We agree that accommodating the specialised food and sweet vendors and programme stalls – which are synonymous with the Club – at appropriate locations would hugely benefit the matchday experience for all of us and we therefore commit to appealing to E20 and the London Borough of Newham to allow this to happen.”
Many supporters listed improving stewarding as one of their top three immediate priorities.
Only 7% of those surveyed believe that the chain restaurants and bars that currently exist are an improvement on the local cafes, pubs and stalls we had at the Boleyn.
Service and Loyalty
When addressing ticket prices, the phraseology “in order to reward loyalty” was used a justification for decision making.
“We have always known; that West Ham supporters have a real passion for their club.”
Only 12% of those surveyed felt that the club recognises and rewards the loyalty of supporters.
Only 11% of those surveyed felt that ticketing policies, including away ticket allocations and seat relocations, are fair and transparent.
Engagement and Communication
“Some of you raised some harsh criticisms about the Club’s external communications. I want to acknowledge on the record that these have been duly noted and will be shared with the full Board.”
“As we have said on many occasions, we are only custodians of the Club on behalf of you, our supporters. We have listened and we want to work with you to rebuild the sense of belonging and unity that we all stated was our primary goal.”
81% of those surveyed felt that the club did not genuinely consult supporters and that their views were not considered.
These reassurances were given by the owners after 8 years in charge.
They have now run our club for over 11 years.
Are the owners making good on the promises they made or is it, as the song goes, ‘all lies, lies, lies’?
