Wham Bam...Thankyou West Ham

Yesterday was not just the official opening of the new Stadium but also DergHammer Supporters Club first experience of the ground and its environs. For sure, it's sad to leave Upton Park but for accessibility and overall experience, the new ground has a lot to offer the international fan. Check out our day:

5.15AM: Up and a quick shower then into the car bound for Shannon airport.
6.25AM: Arrive at Shannon for the 7:05 red eye to Stansted.
8.15AM: Touch down in Stansted. We catch a coffee and jump on one of the many buses heading on a 40 minute journey to Stratford.
9.30AM: Arrive in Stratford. Breakfast and then we head for a look at the stadium. It's been nicely Hammerified with gigantic pics of our heroes and there are loads of good photo opportunities.
10.30AM: We head to the Olympic Aquatic Centre for a nice morning swim to clear the cobwebs and relieve any pre-match tension.
11.30AM: Meet with friends and then do a Jamie (Oliver). Decent nosh and reasonable price too. It's pretty clear that Stratford has embraced the reality that West Ham are here to stay and it seems that fans are welcome everywhere. One suspects that the pubs will become more Hammers-friendly pretty quickly.
12.15PM: We head for the stadium. Great atmosphere and endless positivity. In we go...
12.30PM: Nice opening ceremony with tributes to Bobby and Uncle Trev. Lots of fireworks.
1.00PM: We're off. The view is decent. The atmosphere is good but not quite Boleynesque. Maybe that needs time. We go two down but then Andy C pops up with two great headers and it's even steven.
2.43PM: Payet enters the fray.......YESSSSSSSS! We concede a late goal to an excellent Simone Zaza strike. Poor Reece Oxford had a learning moment!
3.00PM: It's time to leave. The club shop is jammers so we head for Pigbelly's coffee house. There's a chick playing Radiohead songs on an acoustic guitar.
4.15PM: Back to the shop which is very manageable now. Jerseys etc and we are ready to depart.
5.15PM: Bus back to Stansted for the 19:50 flight.....loadsa time to grab some grub in the surprisingly excellent Leons.
10.05PM: Home!....and a celebratory beer.

There can be no doubting that the Olympic Stadium opens up matchday adventures for a much greater circle of fans - including anybody living near an airport that has connections with Stansted.

We had a marvellous day that was made possible by the convenience and accessibility of the new stadium....Thankyou Mr Gold and Mr Sullivan.....but still and all, there's a part of us that misses UP.

 

Anyone else got the New Stadium Jitters?

Tomorrow sees a new era as West Ham start life in the Olympic Stadium. What should have been a foregone conclusion in fact will be an exciting affair as the Hammers need to win to progress in Europe and thus the game will test our ability to create a Boleyn-style atmosphere in the larger and less enclosed new stadium.

Although this is all very exciting, it inevitably brings up many fond memories of Upton Park and the sense that they are really consigned to a part of history that can never be recreated. My father, a lifelong Hammer and now deceased, will never witness this. It's a time to remember those who cannot share this moment, God Rest them.

Perhaps even worse, is the worry that we will go all metrosexual like the tragic Gooners. Will it be Jamie Oliver's Italian Bistro instead of the Ribman? The Tap-East 'brewery-pub' instead of the Boleyn?....Never!

It'll take time to adjust but let's hope the team gets straight into the groove. 888Sport have the Hammers at 9/50 on to win, with Domzale at 13/1 (surely generous given the circumstances?) and a draw at 11/2 against.

As of yet we have no idea where it will be televised.....It's possible that this historic occasion may not be on live TV!!! A real blow for those long distance fans who cannot afford the late booking costs of flights that include a Friday morning return...welcome to Thursday night Europa League football.....hmmmm.

We predict an early breakthrough with a 3-0 win for the Hammers as they get into gear after last weeks misfiring display.

COYI!!!







 

Fans Seek Clarity on Olympic Stadium Opener

Calls are being made for West Ham to clarify their plans for the first game at the Olympic Stadium. Many fans purchased tickets for the clash with Juventus on August 7^th in the belief that they would witness history being made with the first game at the Olympic Stadium.

However, the Hammers involvement in the Europa cup has apparently scuppered those plans as the Hammers' first fixture at their new Stratford home could well now be a third qualifying round clash against either Shakhtyor Soligorsk of Belarus or Slovenian side Domzale. 

This fixture is also shrouded in uncertainty as the home leg is scheduled for July 28 but the club have made requested Uefa to switch the order of the tie so that they might play the second leg at home thus ensuring that the Olympic Stadium is ready. Apparently preliminary discussion indicate that both Shakhtyor and Domzale are agreable in principle to such a switch, but the final decision must be approved by UEFA.

A club statement to guide fans would surely be in order as many will really want to be present for the Olympic stadium opener?

The first Premier League fixture at the stadium will be against Bournemouth on Sunday, August 21.

Win a Season Ticket for the Olympic Stadium

Last night's Europa League encounter between Liverpool and Manchester United was illuminating in many ways. First up, it reminded me of the episode of Family Guy where the two old geezers (Herbert and Franz) get it on! As the new Premiership order hits home, it was obvious that this was a battle between two has-beens who both have seen better days. That both sides put out their best sides only served to emphasise how the substantially inferior prize that is the Ropey League is the best that these pair can muster these days.

Ahead of Sunday's FA Cup encounter, last night's spectacle provided clear evidence of Manchester United's demise under LVG. Liverpool ran rings around a befuddled devils back line and should have dished out a proper hiding - imagine how the departed Luis Suarez would have fared against that lacklustre defence! And remember, this is a Liverpool side that West Ham have brushed aside with relative ease on two occasions this season.

All of which poses a dilemma for Slaven Bilic - Manchester United are very vulnerable right now. While the Hammers have defensive concerns at centre and right back, they look blunt up front but more importantly, are weak at the back. They say the best means of defence is attack and that certainly seems to be the case in dealing with Man U right now. However, away from home Bilic likes to hit the opposition on the break and may choose to sit back.

Many observers would be only too happy to take a draw. Earlier in the season we dominated at Old Trafford but settled for a 0-0. While we all love our (rare) Old T victories, good sense says keep it tight and see what happens. Personally, I am looking forward to seeing how Man U cope in the final quarter of the game when Payet starts swinging in crosses for Sakho, Carroll and Antonio. In good news for the Hammers, after chasing around trying to get a look in all night last night, they may not have fully recovered by Sunday and are likely to tire towards the end if we impose a high tempo from the start. 

West Ham are 14/5 against to win.....remarkable odds methinks! A £95 punt could well win you the price of one of the additional 6,000 category 5 season tickets the Hammers are looking to add to the Olympic Stadium. Just saying... 

Bring it on!!!

West Ham Face Serious Stewarding Shortage at Olympic Stadium

Yes, he gets paid for this!

There's simply got to be some way for the 25,000 stuck on the West Ham 'priority' list to get a slice of the action at the Olympic Stadium next season. It appears that the board are trying to increase the stadium capacity but that solution is likely to come too late for many and they are thus open to all reasonable suggestions as they seek to share the new West Ham with everybody who wants to commit.

With the LLDC unlikely in the short term to permit the capacity to be increased from the current allowance of 54,000 spectators, one option is to 'employ' fans as match day stewards! For a nominal fee, fans could sign up to provide voluntary stewarding of those sections of the ground that will be covered up during matches!

Also, with the levels of excitement that are likely as the club push upwards and onwards, there will be a need for additional medical staff to keep an eye out for dangerously overecstatic fans.

And then there's the issue with matchday mascots...they've been hard at it all season so we can expect lots of additions to the bubbles and hammer clan.

One final solution would be to join the Metropolitan Police and apply for matchday responsibilities, but that is viewed by many as an unreasonable suggestion.

Mexican Artistry Can Solve Hammers Crisis

The insufficient number of season tickets at West Ham's new stadium has developed into a major footballing crisis as an estimated 25,000 fans are set to be excluded from the Olympic Stadium party! However, a solution has emerged from a most unlikely source - a Mexican immigrant! As pictured, this hombre managed to transform himself into a seat to avoid detection. 

Unfortunately, he was foiled by the heat as he sweated so much that border patrol could smell his presence - an unlikely problem in East London!

In other developments, artists from the 'merge' movement have reached a level of proficiency that fans could be easily disguised as seating or pillars or other structures with a simple lick of similarly coloured paint. This cunning plan could allow two fans to sit in each of the 20,000 'unoccupied' seats at the new stadium, one disguised as a seat and the other painted to merge in. 



As a result the actual capacity could be increased back to the original 80,000 that attended the Olympics! As our picture below shows, a combinaton of the human seat and mergepainting solutions can allow for almost 300 fans to be carefully concealed as empty 'seats' beside the two mascots. 

Pioneering Architectural Design Provides Solution to Olympic Stadium Debacle

The problem with insufficient capacity at West Ham's new Olympic Stadium has generated a whole host of clever solutions, ranging from cloaking devices to fan shrinking technology! However, the combination of state of the art East London design with traditional cockney opportunism can provide perhaps the best solution of all.

The Arcelormittal Orbit is East London's most unusually designed structure - located right beside the Olympic Stadium, at 114M high it towers above West Ham's new home (63m high) and provides a unique view of the action inside the stadium! Although the distance might require binoculars, in fact the view is at least equivalent to that at Old Trafford in the upper seats and very similar to that from the flats that overlook trusty old Upton Park that have provided free viewing of the action for years!

That goal was clearly offside!

Even better, there will be abseiling opportunities available for those fans who want that additional adrenaline rush during games. but perhaps best of all, with an annual admittance fee of £10 for local borough residents and £12 for others, it provides truly affordable football!!!

West Ham Embroiled in New Political Storm over Stadium

West Ham's acquisition of the Olympic Stadium for very favourable terms has provoked considerable political controversy and no small amount of green-eyed resentment from fans of rival clubs. While this has clipped some of the plans for the stadium and undoubtedly contributed to West Ham being forced to operate a reduced 54,000 capacity, the recurring political rumblings could prove to be an unexpected Godsend!

It has become increasingly apparent that around 25,000 fans will find themselves stranded on the priority list with no available season tickets to purchase. Even more disappointing is the fact that as many as 20,000 seats will sit unoccupied on matchdays due to planning regulations!!! Undoubtedly, the envious eyes of West ham haters will be watching carefully to see that these seats remain empty despite the obvious demand from fans.

As the board seek to find ways to accommodate fans, one ingenious suggestion has been to suggest that there is a political rally afoot on matchdays! It is well recognised that the attendance at such events is grossly under-reported by the mainstream media. As such, the Hammers could cram 70,000 plus into the stadium and if it is labelled as an anti-austerity event then this will likely be reported in official figures as just 20,000!!!

Even better, with high profile fans such Russell Brand fond of a protest or two, the Hammers are perfectly positioned to sneak in those unfortunate fans who will otherwise be excluded from the new era of affordable football FOR ALL.

Hammers Pull Master Stroke to Increase Olympic Stadium Capacity

Back off!!! Or i'll whack you with this sex toy!

David Sullivan recently expressed his deep admiration for the West Ham faithful who tirelessly follow their club over land (mostly) and sea (occasionally). Along with David Gold, who is still advising fans to keep faith in the priority list scheme, the two crafty schemers are looking for any means possible to fit all interested fans into the new Olympic stadium.

With rumours that they are considering importing a Klingon cloaking device or Willy Wonka teleportation technology as possible ways of cramming more fans into the 54,000 capacity stadium, now comes further stunning revelations that they have teamed up with Dr Who's deadly nemesis - the Master!!!

The master is known for his wicked intelligence and for developing the infamous Tissue Compression Eliminator - a device that shrinks people to tiny proportions! Although the master usually applies the device to shrink his enemies until they die of extreme smallpersonness, if used more sparingly it can reduce people by small non-fatal amounts and could thus allow the board to pack in greater numbers.

This one's a deluxe model

However, with possibly 25,000 fans likely to be unable to obtain season tickets under the current arrangements, Messrs Sullivan and Gold will need to persuade the master to part with more than one of his precious devices. Luckily, it appears as if the BBC props department fashioned the device from a popular Ann Summers product!

West Ham Identify Major Breakthrough in Olympic Stadium Capacity

As the remaining season tickets are being quickly hoovered up by those lucky enough to have joined the priority list within ten minutes of it's opening, Hammers fans are looking for other solutions in their efforts to find a way into the Olympic Stadium for next season.

One suggestion has been to operate a golden ticket-style competition based upon the seventies movie classic Willy Wonka and the chocolate Factory. However, many observers have noted that this would only solve the problems of the five lucky ticket finders, leaving another 29,595 without any hope of getting a slice of the new stadium action!

As an alternative, some fans have noted that the Wonka film may provide an alternative solution. In the storyline, spoilt brat ticket winner Mike Teavee is shrunk into a tiny microperson by one of Wonka's devices designed to teleport chocolate bars through the television. Growing rumours suggest that the Hammers management have purchased the device and hope to shrink Hammers fans so that they can fit into a special tinypersons section of the new stadium!

Although many have criticised the plans, suggesting that they are unworkable on the mass level that would be required to accommodate all those on the priority list, it seems that right now this is the best hope for the 30,000 or so who seem destined to be disappointed.

Given the ingenuity of the board, who have teleported the club from financial ruin to being Europe's fastest growing club in less than five years, we expect that they will have a selection of solutions for fans. At VWH we promise to keep you updated as the situation undoubtedly evolves.

Hammers Secret Plan to Accomodate Fans in Olympic Stadium

As the move to the Olympic Stadium draws ever nearer, one of the main concerns for many fans has been whether they can get one of the precious remaining season tickets. It's a measure of the success of the board that they will easily sell out the season ticket allocation despite an increase in capacity of around 20,000 compared to Upton Park!

However, as recently revealed, there are only 7,000 remaining tickets despite a 30,000plus 'priority' waiting list, suggesting that many fans will be left disappointed. However, hopes were raised today by Chairman David Gold who when asked if it was worthwhile joining the waiting list advised that the tweeter should indeed still sign up to the priority list!

Over the years, Mr Gold has been a refreshing force on twitter with his forthright style. It seems unlikely that he would give bad advice. Equally, Claret and Hugh who highlighted the disparity between availability and demand are usually spot on with their figures. As such thousands of Hammers fans are left wondering what cunning plan the board have to fit all those who want a season ticket into our new home?

 

Fans Demand Increased Olympic Stadium Capacity

No room at the Inn?

There can be no doubting the financial smarts of the management team at West Ham. Having inherited a financial basket case, they have patiently transformed the club into Europe's greatest growing football force with a squad, manager and stadium to be trult proud of.

However, many longtime fans are struggling to get a piece of the action in the 'New West Ham'. When the capacity of the Olympuc stadium was first announced at 54,000 many observers chortled that the club would never fill it. As we fast approach the opening of the new stadium, a veritable stampede has erupted for season tickets, with rumours of 30,000 waiting on the "priority" list for a mere 7000 tickets.

One issue that has always been in the background is that the potential
capacity of the OS is in reality still 74,000 and that it is planned to cover over 20,000 seats on march days. This is madness if there are thousands of disappointed fans unable to attend. Our hunch is that those canny Davids and Mrs Brady Wiseoldlady are ready to put in for a capacity extension.

For thise on the priority list surely its time to mobilise a campaign to support such a move?

The Olympic Stadium is Simply a Dream for International Hammers!

As the move to the Olympic Stadium draws ever closer, VERYWESTHAM decided to take a trip to road test the Olympic experience. On the weekend of the Stoke City game,  we flew in on Friday and pretended that the game was at the new Stadium... Given our hopes of taking in more live action over the coming years, we approached the visit with a sense of trepidation - would the stadium be as impressive as reports suggest, and how easily accessed will it be for the foreign visitor who wants to support their Hammers heroes in person?

No room at the inn.....yet!

Taking the early morning flight from Shannon, we arrived at Stansted airport and proceded to the information desk. Lo and behold there was mughty good news as it turns out that we shall no longer incur the extreme costs of the Stansted Express into London (£34 which is often more than the Ryanair flights!).

Even better, no we are also no longer behoven to the tired old district line. While it has been a (mostly) efficient source of transport during our matchday trips out to Upton Park, for the time-pressurised long distance visitor it is frustratingly slow! 

Instead, to our delight we find that there are multiple bus companies willing to regularly ferry us to Stratford station in a mere 50 minutes!

http://www.stanstedairport.com/to-and-from-the-airport/coach/to-and-from-london-by-bus-or-coach/

Upon arrival, one can ditch any non-footie inclined and/or whinging family members, who are then free to shop to their heart's content for the day at the fancy shopping centre or local markets while we take in the footie action. 

If they get peckish, they can even dine at Jamie Oliver's restaurant nearby, although we couldn't find Jamie anywhere when we visited.
Maybe it was his day off? 

One issue that was evident is that it's not really clear where fans can congregate for a perimatch pint or two. Undoubtedly, our intrepid fanbase will resolve that uncertainty pretty soon after we move!

For those with Exercise Nervosa, immediately astride the stadium is the Olympic swimming pool which provides an ideal spot to work off those prematch tensions (£6 for entry to the state of the art facilities) before making the short walk across the Queen Elizabeth Park to the stadium proper.

For those with youngsters who have serious gaming addictions, or who for whatever reason get tetchy at the thought of being without wifi even for short periods, there are a number of conveniently positioned free wifi spots! This is also welcome news for international visitors who want to avoid crippling roaming charges while staying in touch to co-ordinate their visit!

Unfortunately, we were unable to gain access to the stadium proper. However, there can be little doubting that it is impressive, as those who follow independent Hammers media will know that the vast majority have expressed positive opinions when viewing stadium seats in the race for season tickets. This includes a host of previously sceptical fans who seem to have quickly been won over to the new place.


Finally, there's even some humorous signage that is likely to further irritate Latent Orient and the spies down at No Heart Lane! How many times do we have to tell you guys....NO, we won't be sharing our new home with you!

For the international fan the new stadium represents a fantastic opportunity to realise those season ticket aspirations that you have been harbouring for years; attractive, accessible, affordable.

All we need now is to fill the stadium with atmosphere and celebrate the new chapter in our great history!