Those on the outside, looking in, can probably be forgiven for wondering “why aren’t West Ham fans happy?”
It is up to us, those fans, to bring some balance to the discussion and to educate individuals not quite so informed as those of us on the inside looking out.
There is a discussion to be had, but the question itself needs to be posed with an altered sense of understanding of the situation. Asking why fans are not happy, or why they are moaning, implies fans are not happy or that fans are indeed, moaning.
Of course, supporters will offer opinions. However, broadly speaking, when a football team is on form, supporters will be happy about that form. When a football suffers a bad run of results, supporters feel despondent.
West Ham are bang in form.
And West Ham fans, broadly speaking, are very happy with what is happening on the pitch. A recent survey of the fanbase paid tribute to the level of support David Moyes and his team are enjoying and the level of satisfaction across the fanbase with what is happening during those 90 mins at the moment. Very few West Ham fans, when they first laid eyes on the fixture list this season, could have dared predict we would be so happy come January 2021.
So, if West Ham fans are happy, why the continued campaign for a change in ownership?
Perhaps this is a better way to phrase the question. Fans are not unhappy or moaning, but you don’t have to dig deep into social media, or cast your eye far over forums, or glance long at survey results, to see that a change in ownership sits solidly at the top of the wish-list of many a West Ham fan.
The ‘GSBOUT’ movement or campaign has often been referred to, again typically from those on the outside who have not taken the time to really look, as negative. On the contrary, West Ham supporters are determined that this is the start of a movement for the better. A positive step towards regaining an identity.
The campaign has never, and will never, be connected to the performance of the team on the pitch. The campaign is not about moaning and feeling sad in the moment. The actions of those campaigning do not prevent them from offering the team their full backing and from working tirelessly to ‘improve things for all West Ham supporters’ in every way possible.
West Ham were once described as a Club without a culture. West Ham fans cannot, and will not, let that become the reality.
Supporters revel in success on the pitch, supporters wallow in bad results. That is the up and down existence of a football fan. But those same supporters long for some consistency. They ask for owners who will consider the infrastructure of the club, the importance of the crest and the heritage, the history and traditions of their club, the routines of a matchday, the loyalty fans show, the communication they are keen to engage in and, most of all, the place they really feel they can call home.
So, the answer is the campaign for new ownership continues in earnest because of what that would mean for the stability and culture of our Football Club. It continues with good reason and strong support. And yes, West Ham fans are happy at the moment.
Come On You Irons
GSBOUT
