3 games left. It's really happening. OMG, etc.
Viewing entries tagged
west ham
MASCOT DERBY: Hammerhead and Bubbles will represent #WHUFC in tonight's Mascot Derby at @surreycricket! #COYI pic.twitter.com/3DWHy5I4f1
— West Ham United FC (@whufc_official) May 30, 2014
I support West Ham United FC. It is mostly a torturous experience.
In December 2010, the worst West Ham squad of the Premier League era managed to beat Manchester United 4-0 in the League Cup quarter final. Jonathan Spector was man of the match with 2 goals. I still don't know how it all happened.
This week, a West Ham side so poor with no in form striker in the side all season long, who have treated 0-0 draws as victories, and who may await a similar fate to the 2010 team (relegation), played another quarter final - away at Spurs. They won 2-1. The goalscorer in this video hadn't previously scored for over a year.
Treasure the little Christmas miracles.
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.