On Saturday 18 January the mood was one of reflection, shared frustration and solidarity in sadness at the sacrifices made by supporters which have not been repaid with fulfilled promises.

Whilst we must celebrate the past, honour our heritage and remain true to our roots, we understand that we cannot turn back time. Therefore, we now look to the future.

We have one very simple and achievable initial aim. As has been (and will continue to be) explained in writing and in person to the club, this initial aim is for the Official Supporters Board to be disbanded.

In its place we must create a construct that will allow for a truly democratic and independent group to represent the wider fanbase in open and transparent dialogue with the club to improve things for all supporters.

That said, we realise this will take time. Hammers United will come together again on Saturday 29 February, the day of the home fixture versus Southampton and will take this opportunity to address its supporters. It is our opinion that when we come together on that day our members would react positively to news of gestures of goodwill that may have been forthcoming following our initial protest. These gestures would serve to signal the positive intent of the board to be part of ‘West Ham United for Change’ and engage in constructive dialogue which can then pave the way for real improvements for all supporters.

Small gestures, simple gestures, immediately and easily achievable gestures made between today and the 29th of February would be the perfect way to send a message to our members that the club wishes to build a trusting relationship with its supporters and wishes to join us as we try to improve things under the banner of ‘West Ham United for Change’.

Therefore, each day over the next 40 days, in the build up to Saturday February 29th we will release one goodwill suggestion that the board could implement as a gesture to begin to build that relationship.

We trust the board will be in agreement with us that they can change the mood the next time we come together. Perhaps, on that Saturday, the day of a crucial fixture versus Southampton FC, the mood will be one of wounds that are beginning to heal and a glimmer of renewed hope.

Perhaps there will be a shared optimism as we stand together once more, before doing everything we can to be the ‘12th man’. Saturday 29th of February will, no doubt, be a pivotal day for the football club both on and off the pitch and hopefully a day that sees another step in the right direction of ‘West Ham United for Change’.

Hammers United.