Former West Ham and England striker Tony Cottee has called on the West Ham board to scrap plans which would penalise OAPs, young supporters and families by doing away with concessionary price tickets.
Cottee, known affectionately as ‘TC’ by the Hammers’ faithful, became a firm favourite after rising through the ranks at the Club before going on to represent his country at the highest level.
He joins former strike-partner Frank McAvennie - with whom he spearheaded the Hammers’ finest ever league campaign in the 85-86 season - in urging supporters to sign Hammers United’s petition against the new ticketing policy.
Speaking exclusively to Hammers United TC said:
“For me it’s very worrying, and does nothing to build bridges between supporters and the Club they’ve loved for generations. How can it be right that a five-year-old will now have to pay the same as his or her Mum or Dad? I started going to watch West Ham as a nipper with my Dad back in the 70’s.
“The Club would never have dreamed of charging us the same price to watch our team, and my old man wouldn’t have taken it. The move will put thousands of loyal supporters off attending matches at the London Stadium, and potentially kill-off the fanbase of the future, as families living in tough financial times will end-up going to watch their football together elsewhere.
“I’d urge all West Ham supporters to do the right thing and get behind Hammers United’s campaign by signing the petition.”
The petition now approaches 13000 signatures and can be signed here
Sign the Petition >>
End of Concessions for ‘New’ Supporters
The club has ended new concessionary tickets for Under 21s in Bands 1-4 of the London Stadium and new concessionary tickets for Over 66s in Bands 1-2. Non season ticket holders seeking to acquire U21 concessionary season tickets will be able to do so only for seats in Bands 5-6 – right at the top of the stadium with the most distant views.
Non season ticket holders seeking to acquire new pensioner concessionary tickets will not be able to purchase in bands 1-2 – seats with relatively good views. They will be able to buy in Bands 3-4 but only with a quarter discount instead of approximately half as previously. They will be offered concessions in Bands 5-6 at the old discount but these seats up 70 steps are considered unsuitable for many elderly.
Cottee’s intervention comes hard on the heels of a heart-rending video posted on social media by long-time Irons’ supporter Alex Kirby.
In it, Alex reveals how the ticketing plans will prevent him from buying his eight-year-old son Evan a season-ticket due to the dramatic consequent price-hike.
Link to the video can be found above. Thanks to Alex for permission to post.
Hammers United Protest Events
Hammers United has announced a series of events as part of the campaign, including:
- A fan boycott of Club sponsors Betway – including the Betway Cup game against Spaniards Celta Vigo on Saturday, August 10th
- A boycott of all official West Ham United merchandise
- A fan protest at the opening game of the new season against Aston Villa at home on Saturday, August 17th.
MP Support
Five East London and Essex MPs have responded to a Hammers United appeal to support the campaign. They promise to inquire into the issue - and will potentially make representations to the Club on Hammers United’s behalf.
Stephen Timms, Labour, representing East Ham, has already written to West Ham putting Hammers United’s case.
The other four are: James Asser, Labour, West Ham and Beckton; Jen Craft, Labour, Thurrock; Tory ex-minister John Whittingdale, in Maldon; and Alex Burghart, Conservative member for Brentwood and Ongar.
If you are a current Hammers United member, then thank you. If not, we would love it if you’d consider joining us using the link below.
Thank You.
