Something for nothing. That is what it is presumed West Ham United are getting out of the Olympic Stadium deal. A free ride. A gift from a grateful nation.
So consider the alternative. Boris Johnson, the London Mayor, is supposed to make his final announcement about tenancy a week today. If he does not award the Olympic Stadium to West Ham, what are his options? Not West Ham, basically. That is what is out there. West Ham or Not West Ham. West Ham or white elephant.
There is no coherent rival plan. The Formula One future envisages a grand prix that does not currently exist and ignores a long-term contract with Silverstone. Leyton Orient’s average league crowd this season is 3,785, which should play well in a 60,000 arena. The University College of Football Business in Burnley would get some nice classrooms out of the executive boxes. There is only one serious bidder. There has been all along.
Spot on analysis as ever from Martin Samuel.
Whether the stadium is good for West Ham is another matter. As Martin points on in the piece, it was constructed with summer in mind and needs a lot of work to be suitable for any winter sport. The concourse is exposed to the elements and a whole new roof would be required.
Before I visited for the Paralympics in September I was broadly in favour of the move. Now, having seen just how far away the seats are from what would be the centre circle, I really would have to be convinced by the club's (so far secret) plans.
For the long term future of the Olympic Park though, it is the only option.
Jacob Steinberg:
A look at West Ham messageboards on Monday reveals the usual mealy-mouthed apologists spouting stone-age drivel about the sanitisation of football and political correctness gone mad. Yet if we are to accept that it was only a minority who disgraced themselves, it is also true that this minority are the ones who shout loudest – and perhaps punch hardest when challenged.
A well written piece in the Guardian today. See also Benji Lanyado's blog post.
I'm struck by Sam Allardyce's complete refusal to be drawn on a 'political issue' and the club's statement that they are 'surprised' by the 'allegations'.
I support West Ham. I have a season ticket in the East Stand.
Unlike many fellow fans today, I have no problem 'admitting' that West Ham has more than it's fair share of scumbag, moronic fans. They exist in significant numbers. I loathe them and I don't want them at my club.
It's not a difficult thing to say.
Stella Creasy, the Labour MP for Walthamstow, is a devoted fan of The Wedding Present, the Leeds indie guitar band whose songs of unrequited love led critics to hail them as natural successors to The Smiths in the late 80s. Ms Creasy reserves a special place in her heart for Seamonsters, the band’s 1991 album, an unflinching collection of songs detailing the bitterness and recrimination of relationships gone wrong, set to a backdrop of grunge-era distorted guitars. In what appears to have been a cathartic experience, Ms Creasy, a rising Labour star, has written an extended essay to accompany a vinyl 10” edition of the classic album, released next Monday.
Unexpected.
David Gedge:
Well I think the current band actually do Seamonsters better than the original line up. There’s no baggage or having to worry about being originally on it. It’s just timing really, there’s been quite a few changes and this Wedding Present is certainly rockier than what you may have seen four years ago or so.
He's not wrong. The current lineup is exceptional.
Last night's show at Cambridge was the best I've ever heard those songs.
The Wedding Present's 'Seamonsters' tour ends this week. It is my favourite album of all time and the band play it entirely, in sequence, at these shows. I'm going to see them again tomorrow in Camden. If you can, you should too.
