Supporters moved without consultation again
A new season ticket renewal window opened on Friday, with new prices, a new stand reconfiguration and a new set of seat relocations.
But there were all too familiar problems.
Plans for the reconfiguration of the West Stand, lower tier, were shared with supporters for the first time as the window opened. The stand doesn’t appear to be any closer to the pitch. The gap between upper and lower tiers doesn’t appear significantly altered. Can the driving force for this adjustment really have been to benefit supporters?
If the idea is to improve things for West Ham fans, why not ask them what they want?
Why not share possible plans ahead of time, even if only with supporters groups, and harvest feedback?
Once again, supporters were left in the dark until decisions had been taken. Many are now speculating that this is simply about justifying a ticket price increase, or adding more seats at the top end of the price banding, or possibly simply reducing costs to switch the stadium between modes.
This rebuild of the lower tier has, as was the case behind the goals, resulted in supporters having their seats moved. Many have taken to social media to show how they are being moved to seats with significantly different views.
If these supporters are not satisfied, they must buy their new seat anyway and hope to get a suitable move in the relocation window. The sooner they stump up the cash, the closer to the front of the queue they will be when the relocation window opens.
So no time to think about it.
No advance warning given. No questions asked about whether or not the reconfiguration and then relocation of their seats would be welcome.
Why not contact these supporters in advance of the season ticket renewal process to give them time to consider their options? Or ask supporters if they’d be happy to stay in their original seat, even if it meant a price increase?
Once again, supporters have little choice but to pay up for their new seat and hope for the best. Many have contacted HU to express their disgust at the way they are being treated.
So, with a speedy renewal imperative for those wishing to relocate their seats, it was vital the renewal process was clear and efficient.
News came on Wednesday that renewals would open Friday.
Notice that not only would they need the money ready for Friday to give them a good shot at relocation, but that it could cost them more than they had anticipated.
The club website stated renewals would open online at midday.
Nothing.
The website was amended to read 2pm.
Nothing.
Eventually, around 5pm, the option to renew appeared on online accounts. Emails about renewals started dropping into inboxes.
Yet all afternoon, unbeknown to many, fans could call the ticket office to renew. Those waiting patiently for the online option to option to open were slipping down the queue for relocation without realising it.
There is much to be proud of at West Ham right now.
Sadly, off the pitch, the club continue to treat its most loyal supporters with distain.
We will, as ever, represent your views in our correspondence with the club.
