The disconnect between the club and West Ham fans is already massive and growing worse

The disconnect between the club and West Ham fans is already massive and growing worse. There is a really good article on Claret&Hugh I can seriously recommend – and yes, I have taken my prescribed medication on time! It’s a piece by Martin Treasure called ‘Worst of both worlds’ and it is raising some interesting points some of which I would like to discuss as well.

We all remember the words from that pledge years ago. A world-class team in a world-class stadium. In the aftermath we have won a trophy, the ECL one, a minor jewel in the crown, but a jewel is still a bloody jewel, eh ? But starting with the stadium move, for many it never was the greatest migration in the history of football, but a painful and heartbreaking process. Some have never set foot into London Stadium once between the time of our first game there and this fine morning. Others have accepted the move, some with clenched fists and through gritted teeth, swallowing their pride and dislike of the athletics bowl. Nobody begrudges fans or club owners ambitious, even lofty dreams. Who wouldn’t want to play Champions League football in a sold out stadium holding 60K+ passionate and loyal fans ?

And right on time the club finds another brilliant way to give their apparently valued supporters the finger. Abandoning concessions for kids and OAPs in vast sections of the stadium is turning affordable football at West Ham into a luxury item. Kids are getting priced out as their parents may only be able to buy them tickets for selected games rather than having a regular season ticket. When I look at the prices of tickets for next season I am right back at the baked beans analogy. Now PL football is a bit more sophisticated as a tin of beans, so let’s say it’s like buying a good quality steak at your butcher’s and finding out the price is now 60 quid for one person and one meal. Bonkers!