West Ham United

West Ham United FC

Ground: London Stadium

Capacity: 62,500

Club Founded: 1895

League: EFL Championship (current level)

Arguably, West Ham United's soul changed forever when they left the Boleyn Ground in the heart of the local community to move to the former Olympic Stadium in Stratford. Many interesting times lay ahead for the Hammers.

London Stadium

Early Years

West Ham United were formed as the works team of Thames Ironworks. Players were strictly amateur and worked for the company. Their beginnings are still remembered, as some fans refer to the team as the Irons. After winning the London League, the club joined the Southern League.

After reaching the top level of the competition in 1900, the club became West Ham United. They played home games at the Memorial Ground in Plaistow until the following year, when they moved to The Boleyn Ground, Upton Park, which was originally known as The Castle. 

First Wembley FA Cup Final

Election to the Football League followed in time for the 1919-20 season. Within a couple of seasons, West Ham hit the headlines. They were promoted from Division Two and reached the first-ever FA Cup Final at Wembley, where they went down 2-0 to Bolton Wanderers in the infamous White Horse Final of 1923.

In 1931-32, the Hammers were relegated, returning twenty-five years later as Division Two champions. Around this era, the club began developing a fantastic crop of local young players. Under manager Ted Fenton, many called the club the "academy of football".

The statue of the World Cup heroes on Barking Road

The Academy of Football

The side continued to develop under Ron Greenwood from 1962. Ronnie Boyce, John Sissons, John Bond, and Ken Brown were joined by young starlets Johnny Byrne, Bobby Moore, Martin Peters, and Geoff Hurst. 

The team knocked out a fantastic Manchester United side in the 1963-64 FA Cup semi-final, before the Hammers won the final 3-2 at Wembley against Preston North End. It was the club's first major honour. 

 

West Ham's World Cup Win

A fantastic run in the European Cup Winners' Cup the following season saw West Ham reach the Wembley final against TSV 1860 Munich. Alan Sealey scored two goals as the game was won 2-0. Moore, Peters, and Hurst would famously return to Wembley the following year as England won the World Cup against West Germany. 

Remarkably, Moore had lifted three different trophies at the famous stadium in three consecutive years. A proud tongue-in-cheek boast from Hammers fans is that they won the World Cup in 1966 by providing England with three pivotal players!

West Ham continued to connect to the local community despite their successes. They continued to develop players, with Trevor Brooking and Billy Bonds the big names of the 70s as the heroes of the 60s gradually moved on.

Upton Park in the 1970's
Image taken from the Football League Review

FA Cup Winners

John Lyall took over as manager, leading United to their second FA Cup in 1974-75. They beat Fulham 2-0 as Alan Taylor scored twice, and former hero Bobby Moore ended on the losing side after a fallout at Upton Park. Once again, the Irons went on a fine European Cup Winners' Cup run.

West Ham reached the final at Brussels' Heysel Stadium, going down 4-2 to an excellent RSC Anderlecht side of the time, who included future West Ham player Francois Van der Elst. 

Home to fans for over 100 years

Further Glory

West Ham were relegated to Division Two a couple of years later. The team was rebuilt with Phil Parkes, Ray Stewart, Stuart Pearson, and Alan Devonshire joining youth products such as Geoff Pike and Paul Allen as United reached the 1979-80 FA Cup Final. 

Despite being huge underdogs as a second-tier side, the Hammers defeated Arsenal 1-0 with a rare Brooking header doing the damage. The following season, West Ham returned to Wembley for the League Cup final against Liverpool. 

Ray Stewart's last-minute penalty took the game to a replay. West Ham lost 1-0 at Villa Park. The season ultimately ended in glory as United won the second division title and top-flight football returned to the Boleyn Ground.

My drawing of Upton Park and former West Ham kits.
Click on the images to enlarge them.

Highest League Finish

A record third-place finish in 1985-86 was as close as Lyall's side came to further glory, thanks to the goals of Tony Cottee and Frank McAvennie, before he was dismissed four years later as the team was relegated once again. Lou Macari had a short reign as manager. Billy Bonds replaced him and took the side back up at the start of the 1990s.

A fine side, including Ian Bishop and Trevor Morley, entertained the crowds. The club bounced back to win promotion to play in the Premier League.

The Boleyn hosts International Football

The Harry Redknapp Era

Bonds resigned in 1994 in controversy after the board looked to retain the services of his assistant, Harry Redknapp, who took over as manager. West Ham secured their top-flight safety on the final day of the season by drawing with Manchester United, while denying their opponents the league title. 

Some of Redknapp's signings included John Hartson, Eyal Berkovic, Paul Kitson, and Trevor Sinclair. In the 1998-99 season, Paulo Di Canio joined the club and was a tremendous acquisition. 

Upton Park under the lights

The academy produced quality youngsters Joe Cole, Michael Carrick, Rio Ferdinand, and Frank Lampard jnr. Ferdinand was sold in 2000. Redknapp's position became untenable after speaking out to a fanzine. Glenn Roeder replaced him, and Lampard Jnr was sold to Chelsea.

After a steady first season, Roeder's side struggled in 2002-03. Roeder fell ill and was replaced by Trevor Brooking for the final few games of the season. The team was relegated.

The Pardew Years

Alan Pardew arrived and built a workmanlike side that reached the play-off final in his first season at the helm. The Irons were denied promotion after losing 1-0 to Crystal Palace at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium. 

However, West Ham weren't denied the following season as they returned to the same venue to defeat Preston North End 1-0 with a Bobby Zamora goal. The success continued in 2005-06 as West Ham reached the FA Cup final.

In the showpiece at the Millennium Stadium, the Irons went 2-0 up against Liverpool through an own goal and a Dean Ashton effort. Paul Konchesky gave United the lead again after Liverpool equalised, but a stoppage-time Steven Gerrard goal took the game to extra time. West Ham eventually lost the penalty shoot-out 3-1.

Seats in the Trevor Brooking Upper at Upton Park

Icelandic Owners

Alan Curbishley replaced Pardew in November 2006 as the club was sold to an Icelandic consortium headed by Eggert Magnússon. The club submitted plans for a new East Stand. 

This would have taken the stadium capacity to 40,500. Curbishley led the side to the great escape at the end of the 2006-07 season. However, it created great controversy. The legality of Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano's signings was questioned as their contracts were allegedly held by a third party. 

Upton Park's East Stand

United won their final game 1-0 at Old Trafford against Manchester United to relegate Sheffield United, who went to court and were eventually awarded financial compensation from West Ham. Rumours also suggested West Ham considered a move to a new stadium next to the Parcelforce depot near West Ham station.  

The Gold, Sullivan, and Brady Era

Alan Curbishley resigned to be replaced by Gianfranco Zola, with the former owners of Birmingham City, David Gold and David Sullivan, taking over the club after a period of financial chaos following the banking collapse and administration looming. 

Midweek League Cup action at Upton Park

Avram Grant replaced Zola at the end of the 2009-10 season as the club announced plans to move to the Olympic Stadium at nearby Stratford. The owners of Leyton Orient and Tottenham Hotspur were outraged, but the Hammers were given stadium rights after they guaranteed they would keep the athletics track once they had occupancy.

Fans were sceptical about leaving their beloved Upton Park home for a 60,000-capacity stadium and a running track around the pitch. Their mood darkened when the club was relegated at the end of the season, leading to Grant being replaced by Sam Allardyce. 

Upton Park's West Stand shortly before demolition

In his first season, Allardyce led the side to promotion via a Wembley win in the playoff final against Blackpool, and then consolidated in the Premier League, despite an apparent lack of effort in the cup competitions. The board promised change. Teddy Sheringham was appointed as an attacking coach in the summer of 2014. 

The board placated their support. Big signing Andy Carroll proved popular, but Allardyce's contract was not renewed as the club owners looked for a new style of football in the club's last season at Upton Park. Former defender and Croatia boss Slaven Bilić was appointed. 

His attacking team met fans' demands in their final season at the Boleyn Ground. Dimitri Payet arriving from Olympique de Marseille played a starring role. The side finished in seventh place to secure Europa League football.

Move to the London Stadium

CEO Karen Brady pledged supporters would take part in the most successful migration in football history. However, the reality was somewhat different. Payet was sold, and fans were disgruntled with their new domain and lack of so-called marquee signings. 

The board dismissed Bilić and replaced him with David Moyes. Demonstrations reached a boiling point when supporters encroached onto the pitch and invaded the area around the directors' box in the home game against Burnley. Moyes' short-term contract was not renewed. Manuel Pellegrini was appointed as the new manager.

Most of his signings flopped, with his reign ending in December 2019. Moyes returned on a longer deal and won the fans' round after a fine 2020-21 league campaign. This led to UEFA Europa League football at the London Stadium, as the Hammers went all the way to the semi-finals before losing out to Eintracht Frankfurt. 

Jared Bowen had become a leading light in Moyes' side alongside outstanding midfielder and skipper Declan Rice. Long-serving star Mark Noble retired as the Hammers qualified for the UEFA Europa Conference League.

They reached the final in 2022-23 against Fiorentina at the Fortuna Arena in Prague. Saïd Benrahma and Bowen helped win the tie 2-1 as West Ham lifted their first European trophy for fifty-eight years. Rice was sold to Arsenal, dampening the celebrations.

Moyes departed and was replaced by Julen Lopetegui after another decent season in charge. His appointment failed, as did that of successor Graham Potter. In September 2025, Nuno Espírito Santo took over as West Ham's boss. The season was a disaster. The team was relegated on the final day. 

My thoughts on West Ham United and the Cost of leaving Upton Park are also in the Article index section.

Brady departed before the relegation. Gold died in 2023. Sullivan was forced to stand down as chairman following a scandal into his past. Daniel Křetínský became the club's major shareholder.

My visits

At the Boleyn Ground, Upton Park

West Ham United 1 Nottingham Forest 2

Division One - Saturday 28th August 1982

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A Schoolboy Adventure

Scarborough Cricket Club had reached the final of the National Club Knockout Lord's. I had visited the home of cricket twice before, and I'd reached the age where I was eager to see the world. Dad kindly took three of my mates along with young Nick and me on the train using a family railcard ticket. 

With my schoolmates, we picked out a game we wouldn't mind going to. We decided upon the First Division clash between West Ham and Nottingham Forest. We were wary on the tube, especially with our northern accents, but got to Upton Park without hassle.

Photo thanks to Gary Griffiths

Big Match Thrill

The big crowd was exciting. We stood on the North Bank. This was a large terracing with a roof covering the back two-thirds. The other end was similar, with a section of away fans. Down the left was the East Stand, which was a raised seating area with a terraced paddock at the front called The Chicken Run. 

The Main Stand on the right was a grand, towering two-tiered structure containing seats on both levels. The atmosphere was intimate, with the stands going right up to the pitch. The goal nets didn't go back far, and you felt you were virtually on the field with the players.

Photo thanks to Gary Griffiths

The Match

The noise was as we expected on the terraces where we were tightly packed. The facilities were basic, and the lack of crush barriers meant the crowd naturally swayed backwards and forwards as they reached for a better view. Forest won the game 2-1, and the home fans left disappointed.

Colin Walsh put Forest ahead before Ray Stewart equalised with a penalty. John Robertson netted the winner from the spot eleven minutes from time. I remember home fans not being totally convinced by their new forward, Sandy Clark, at a time when Duran Duran were topping the charts.

Naughty Boys!

We took our time getting back to King's Cross to meet my Dad and Nick and hear of Scarborough's triumph. I had a bit of an embarrassing time on the way back when my mates had decided to try a beer or two on the train. The guard rounded them up and asked for their tickets. 

Dad had them, and they were all meant to be travelling as children! That's mates for you. Even more hilarity ensued when we picked up a Scarborough newspaper at York Station. The local hockey club complained about their pitch being damaged by "phantom golfers". It was the crease we had used all summer to play cricket on, with the touchlines our boundaries!

Stadium Visit - Thursday 23rd August 2012

I had the day off work and fancied doing something. I needed to do some shopping in central London before heading to the East End. I wanted to visit both the Hammers and Leyton Orient to try to take some photos for this blog.

I alighted at Upton Park and walked down Green Street to the Boleyn Ground. The new West Stand was a huge construction, with mock castles flanking the main corporate and office spaces at the rear. Indeed, the whole stadium had changed dramatically since my first visit to a game. 

Only the East Stand remained with the old paddock now seated. The Bobby Moore Stand replaced the South Bank in 1993. Two years later, Sir Trevor Brooking Stand was built to replace the North Bank. A new West Stand replaced the old structure. The ground was significantly better.

Finally, I walked around for signs of an open gate without luck. I did a full lap, going past the Supporters Club on Castle Street and the Boleyn Tavern before taking a picture of the heroes' statue on Barking Road. 

I thought I had a chance of getting inside the Bobby Moore Stand when I saw an outside gate to the forecourt was open. I went inside only for the gate to lock behind me. I had to go to the function room reception to make an embarrassing apology to get back out!

One of the many businesses that closed with the Boleyn Ground

I continued along Priory Road behind the East Stand, where away fans have to walk down what I'm sure can be scary alleys and roads back to the station. I was determined to return for a game once a reasonable opportunity presented itself. I headed to Leyton, where again, I didn't get inside the stadium.

West Ham United 1 Wigan Athletic 4

League Cup Round Three - Tuesday 25th September 2012  (att: 25,934)

👨‍👨‍👧‍👧 25,934 🎟️ £10

Midweek Cup Action

My opportunity came quicker than I anticipated. After some time off work, I'd taken my eye off the ball regarding London fixtures, but I saw the list for the forthcoming week on the Sunday morning. 

Experience told me the bigger clubs in the League Cup often reduced ticket prices to try to fill the ground, as season ticket holders were reluctant to shell out extra cash.

Pre Match

I wasn't disappointed, and I purchased a ticket in the Sir Trevor Brooking Stand Upper for just £10, which I presumed I would have to collect from the box office. On the day of the match, I considered meeting up with a cricketing pal and Hammer fanatic Paul for pre-match beers in nearby Plaistow.

However, I was tired after completing my early shift, so I went home for a siesta. The Hammersmith & City line train took an eternity from Baker Street owing to congestion during the evening peak. It was standing room only, and I was happy when we eventually reached Upton Park.

Green Street was a hive of activity with fans spilling out of the takeaways and pubs, and burger and souvenir stalls set up on the pavements. To be honest, it made the street look a hell of a lot better than on a non-match day. I joined the very long queue for the box office. I was slightly concerned that I might miss the kick-off.

I needn't have worried. The crowds were dealt with expertly. I was on the concourse in the stand twenty-five minutes before the start. I had fed myself properly before setting out, but I fancied a drink. I ended up with a small bottle of Magners for £4.20. Lager and bitter were both £4. A total rip-off.

My seat offered a reasonable view. The railings above the exit slightly obstructed it. However, as the stand was nowhere near capacity, I moved to a better vantage point. Although the crowd was 10,000 below a league gate, 'I'm forever blowing bubbles' was sung raucously. It must be terrific in a full house in a derby against Millwall.

The Match

The Hammers started well, despite Allardyce making many changes to give his fringe players an outing. Madibo Maiga smashed home from the edge of the box, latching on to a defensive error. United created half-chances, but their defence was far more adept at offering opportunities to the scarcely supported Wigan team.

Mauro Boselli headed a cross to level, and in the thirty-eighth minute, Ivan Ramis fired home from outside the box. Before half-time, it was three as Boselli got his second with a classic finish after being sent clean through the stationary rearguard. 

The home fans were not happy at the break, although I later read that the regulars were dismayed with the 'once a season' fans getting on the players' backs. After the interval, West Ham tried to reduce the arrears.

However, I always fancied Athletic more likely to add to their tally as they looked more dangerous on the break. Both sides made substitutions before Stephen Henderson was slow off his line and brought down a forward, leading to a penalty which was calmly dispatched by Jordi Gomez.

Like many others, I used this as my cue to call it an evening. I went as quickly as I could along Green Street and joined the well-organised funnel into the station. I was soon aboard a train, and I was back indoors at home before 11pm. 

Post-Match Reflections

When I got home, I opened a letter to find my match ticket inside, so I didn't have to queue after all! I'm not sure what would have happened if I'd used both tickets. Perhaps the electronic validator on the gate would have refused the second attempt?

It was a decent game to watch as a neutral, but I'd have been concerned as a home fan, especially if they suffered from any long-term injuries as the season progressed. I got my money's worth for a tenner, and that mattered more to me!

Argentina 2 Croatia 1

International Friendly - Wednesday 12th November 2014 

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Messi at West Ham

While watching the build-up to the Saturday afternoon matches, John Motson’s voice made me sit up and listen when he mentioned, through a tenuous link, that West Ham fans would could see their old hero Carlos Tevez once more, the following Wednesday in action for Argentina.

I quickly got into action and booked four tickets. I needed to catch up with my brother Paul, as well as Hampstead pals Jarvo and Potholes. A West Ham mate helped me plan, and we were ready to go.

Pre Match

The evening proved the perfect antidote after a stressful few days on a works management training course. Jarvo and I caught the train to Plaistow and walked down to the Black Lion, where the others met us. We had a very enjoyable catch-up and drinks. Soon we cut through the back streets to arrive at Upton Park.

The £25 seats in the Bobby Moore Lower gave us a great view. We were running a little late, and on arrival, we found an old Croatian fan in our seats as he’d gone into the wrong row. He was getting up to leave when I saw the net ripple for his side's opening goal from Anas Sharbini to the surprise of many.

The Match

Croatian boss Niko Kovac rested several stars ready for a Euro 2014 Qualifier against Italy a few days later. Meanwhile, the Albiceleste supremo Gerardo Martino fielded a star-studded side including Sergio Aguero, Angel Di Maria, Pablo Zabaleta, Javier Mascherano, substitute Tevez, and the big attraction Lionel Messi.

Croatia continued to play smashing football. The Argentinians also played some scintillating stuff. Messi was showing his brilliant skills. Aguero was also in top form.

My video of Messi in action

Messi Masterclass

We adjourned for beers downstairs before Aguero fortuitously deflected a Cristian Ansaldi effort home to level the scores. The South Americans poured forward and were rewarded in the fifty-seventh minute. Aguero was brought down. Messi slotted the spot kick away with his usual aplomb.

The great man wanted the ball at all times and looked back to his best after a disappointing World Cup. He stayed on the pitch for the full match in a friendly game, which spoke volumes about his attitude. It was an honour to be just a few yards away from him.

Post-match Beers

At full time, I suggested a couple of beers to let the crowds disperse from the notoriously overcrowded tube station. We were allowed to use the West Ham Supporters Club near our exit, which was a real bonus as it was relatively empty and the prices were most agreeable.

As we headed back to the station, we stopped to watch an intense cricket match taking place between local Asians under the roof of Green Street Market. They took it extremely seriously and quickly put to bed any ideas of us joining in once we saw the pace of the bowling using a hard ball while batsmen faced without protection.

I got home around half past midnight after a quality night out watching some legends of the game and having had some very interesting conversations around plenty of booze. What more could I wish for?

Stadium Visit - Saturday 30th July 2016

As it was the thirtieth anniversary of England lifting the World Cup and I had been at the friendly up the road between Dagenham & Redbridge and AFC Wimbledon, there was only one place to go on the way back, especially as many Hammers fans claim that it was West Ham who won the cup for England!

The Irons had moved out of Upton Park and were just a few days away from their first game at the Olympic Stadium. I thought it would be the last chance to see the old place. Boards kept intruders out on Green Street.

I’d walked from East Ham High Road, through streets that once filled on matchdays with thousands of fans, some looking for a quicker way home than using Upton Park station.

I crossed Barking Road to pay homage to the statue of the heroes of 66, where a local youth was sitting oblivious to its history. He was a friendly, smiling lad who moved so I could take a photo and was interested when I told him the history and relevance of the day and the structure.

It seemed fitting that I should take a bus to Stratford to experience what Hammers fans would face in the future. I caught a couple of trains home. It had been a really enjoyable and productive day personally. I was on my way back to full fitness!

At the London Stadium

West Ham United 3 NK Domžale 0 

Europa League Qualifying Round second leg - Thursday 4th August 2016 

👨‍👨‍👧‍👧 53,914 🎟️ £10

A New Ground For Me

West Ham’s official opener at the retitled London Stadium was meant to be against Juventus the following Sunday. However, the Europa League draw had not been taken into account. This was not the first time the owners showed a lack of foresight during their woeful transition from the Boleyn Ground.

I’d enjoyed my first football experience of the season, the previous Saturday at Dagenham & Redbridge, with no ill effects, and I read about some tickets being available for the first game at the new place on the excellent Non League Matters forum.

Pre-Match at Lord's

I had no problem buying an online ticket for £10 in the Stand as I had a purchasing history. I spent the first part of the day watching day one of the vital Middlesex v Surrey County Championship game. The weather was stunning. The inaugural beer festival at the ground added to a fine day’s play.

Around 5pm, I set off with my cricket and West Ham pal Tony and Wenlock Arms CC teammate Ian, who lived at Hackney Wick, near the stadium. We walked down to Baker Street and took the Jubilee line directly to Stratford.

The 2012 Olympic Bell

A Handy Shortcut

Ian knew shortcuts to avoid the Westfield Shopping Centre from his locale and work in the area. This was extremely useful in avoiding the big crowds in the main hall. The aim was to divert football fans away from Westfield, but we saw plenty of Hammers in the bars leading up to the stadium.

Tony was nervous about the whole move as a loyal regular for several decades. He was extremely apprehensive about what view he'd get from his seat and what the best travel arrangements would be for travel to and from Harrow.

Obviously, there would be a few teething troubles, especially on the first night, but the woeful lack of programme sellers was quite a shock. We eventually found copies at £3.50 after standing in ridiculous queues. After setting off with plenty of time for a 6.45 kick-off, we were now pushing it.

Tony’s block was straight ahead on the Aquatic Centre side of the vast park. I said goodbye until the following morning and continued around with Ian to find my block, who showed me the landmarks to aim for after the game to get to Hackney Wick station before heading home.

Facility Check

New signage had been added outside the stadium, including the generally disliked new club badge, replacing the old Boleyn Castle and adding the word “London” in a clear move to change the club’s image through a rebrand.

The long day left me hungry and thirsty, so I bought a rollover hot dog and a cup of Coke. It’s fair to say I was slightly shocked by the exorbitant prices. The concourse facilities were pretty good, as I remembered from my previous experience inside the arena. This was for a morning session at the 2012 Paralympics with a sell-out crowd of 90,000. 

It was an amazing experience, and a wonderful time to be British and living in London. I was most interested in how the stadium would look for football. There was speculation about how close the seats would be to the pitch, as West Ham fans were assured of excellent sightlines by using retractable seating. 

This was required as the stadium had to be available for the owners to convert it for other events, including athletics. It soon became obvious Gold, Sullivan, and Brady promised the Hammers faithful something undeliverable. The lower-tier seating was not retractable. It was built on scaffolding with a large gap between the two tiers on three sides of the stadium. 

Those in the lower tiers had to cross bridges to reach their seating. Remarkably, the most expensive seats with corporate facilities were the furthest from the pitch! The old permanent lower-tier seats were clearly visible underneath the temporary scaffold seating.

The fan belt out 'Bubbles'

Video taken from Rob’s Roving Sports Report

Atmosphere 

My designated seat had already been taken. I wasn’t going to make a fuss as a visitor. I found a better view further back in some of the seats that weren’t meant to be available. The stewards were pretty much clueless and mostly uninterested. The atmosphere when the “Bubbles” anthem was belted out was good. 

The roof held in the noise, but that was about the only time there was any real concerted noise, as fans who’d spent years together were now split up. Some used to standing and being left alone at Upton Park were doing the same at the London Stadium, with new fans complaining.

The Match

Domžale won the first leg 2-1 in Slovenia. West Ham were missing players who had competed in the recent Euro Championships in France, including their big favourite Dimitri Payet. Despite this, the home side put in a competent performance to ease through to the next round. 

After just seven minutes, a fine move involving Mark Noble, Sam Byram, and Enner Valencia set up Cheikhou Kouyate to score West Ham’s first goal in the London Stadium. Ten minutes later, Kouyate doubled the lead. Andy Carroll nodded down Michail Antonio’s cross for the Senegal international striker to fire home.

The visitors carved out a few half-chances, but the Hammers remained in control. After half-time, Domžale attacked, forcing Darren Randolph into a couple of saves before Sofiane Feghouli had the final say, making it 3-0 after being released by skipper Noble with ten minutes remaining.

That was the excuse I needed to make a quick getaway. It was fair to assume that public transport would be fairly chaotic on opening night. 

Quick Getaway

I took Ian’s suggestion, and I was at Hackney Wick station just after the full-time whistle. It had been an enjoyable day out all round, but I wasn’t totally shocked that Tony was not best pleased with the stadium or his seat when we met up at Lord’s the following morning.

Back to Upton Park

Stadium Visit - Sunday 11th December 2017

Travel Chaos

My late shift at work after a spell of nights caused the usual sleeping pattern problems. I was off for the week after my Saturday duty and was heading up to York to stay with my brother Nick and the family for a couple of nights.

Despite a relatively early night, I still managed to turn up at King's Cross an hour late for my train. It was completely my own fault, but I was hoping for a little sympathy. The Virgin Trains booking clerk simply told me to buy a new ticket. 

I wasn't going to leave it at that, as I knew that a member of staff could change tickets. I managed to find the Grand Central assistant, whose service I had been scheduled to travel on.

Her husband worked a similar role to mine for London Underground, and they’d even lived near York for a few years, so she was the epitome of helpfulness. The lovely, kind lady changed my ticket, but it meant I’d have to wait three hours for their next train.

A Final Goodbye

It was a stunning day, and I’d read online reports about the demolition of the Boleyn Ground. With time to kill, I had a marvellous opportunity to visit one last time and take photos.

I was taken aback by the sight in front of me, behind the Sir Trevor Brooking Stand, round to Priory Road, even though I expected something along those lines. The old Chicken Run Stand had been completely demolished. 

A wire fence was at the roadside to stop access. The mesh netting had been sliced in several places; no doubt to let fans look inside their home of dreams and memories.

Sadness

I walked round to Barking Road, where one wag on the Hammers forum, “Knees Up Mother Brown”, said that's where he’d have sat at Upton Park if his London Stadium seat really was comparable, and he was about right.

A film crew were around the old stadium as the club looked to capitalise on the demolition. The old Social Club looked on sadly. On Green Street, the old signage had gone from the stands, and the whole area was out of bounds.

I was genuinely sad. I was sad because I love football and its history and heritage. I was sad for my West Ham mates. I was sad after reading the online forums and seeing how hard it had been for many fans to take; it was genuinely like a death in the family.

Walking back to the station, I wondered how many shops, pubs, and cafes would disappear because of the lack of their regular football crowds. One thing was for sure. It would not affect Gold, Sullivan, or Brady.

I headed back to Kings Cross, contemplating just how much football had changed since I was a little lad. Sadly, much of it hadn't improved. I’d find out more the following Saturday as Hull City were in town.

At London Stadium

West Ham United 1 Hull City 0 

Premier League - Saturday 17th December 2016

👨‍👨‍👧‍👧 56,592 🎟️ £30

Pre Match

After a lovely break in Munich, I flew back to Luton, ready to meet up with my brother Nick and my nephew Stan. We were meeting Andy and his daughter Heidi, our regular little posse for City matches in London.

I alighted from the ridiculously packed train at West Hampstead to drop off my backpack and to grab some food before following Nick’s advice on where to meet up pre-match.

Quality Pub Choice

I was at The Bow Bells on Bow Road around 1.00. The Little Driver were allowing home fans only. My destination had doormen, but I wasn’t wearing any colours, and they were friendly enough. I even got a seat and watched the Crystal Palace v Chelsea game. The Hophead ale was bang on. I was a contented man.

Eventually, the others arrived in time for a couple of snifters before we headed off, walking up Fairfield Road and under the A12, over the River Lea, and across the park to the away entrances.

London Stadium Thoughts

The prices seemed better value for visiting fans than I had remembered. I’d advised we opt for seats in the upper tier, further from the pitch, but I reckoned we would attract less interest from boisterous home fans in the scaffolding nearer the pitch.

That said, several in the block across the sterile area were more intent on shouting abuse at the away fans and trying to look menacing. Most would have probably been scared of their own shadows, and no doubt enjoying their first season of “big” football. My match ticket was my birthday present, which I really appreciated. 

It saved me £30 on the admission price. The kids' prices were £25. The excellent programme was £3.50. I predicted pre-match that City would defend gallantly but end up losing 1-0 when they eventually capitulated under sustained pressure. Well, I got the score correct, but that was about all.

The Match

Mike Phelan shocked even the most optimistic City fan as the team attacked after dealing with West Ham's initial pressure. Dieumerci Mbokani was proving a real handful up front. He came close when he twisted, turned, and shot. He then missed a real sitter to put the Tigers ahead. 

He pounced on a shocking back pass from Aaron Cresswell, but his shot hit the inside of the post despite beating Randolph in the home net. Randolph made a couple of decent stops to deny the ever-impressive Harry Maguire, while the home fans booed their side off at the interval. We decided to enjoy a beer!

Twelve minutes after the restart, Andy Robertson saw his cross headed against his own post by Mark Noble. Two minutes later, Robertson fired in a thunderous shot. We were right behind the ball, certain it was going in, but once again it agonisingly hit the inside of the post and bounced away to safety.

Gradually, West Ham got into the game. I thought Andy Carroll was putting in a fine shift, unlike the disinterested Payet. It was no wonder the Irons were struggling at the wrong end of the table, as too many talented individuals seemed shy of hard work. 

With just fourteen minutes remaining, referee Lee Mason deemed that Tom Huddlestone’s soft challenge on Michail Antonio warranted a penalty. Noble stroked home the spot kick with ease. 

The game stretched until full time, but ultimately the penalty proved decisive as City went to the bottom of the table for Christmas. It said it all when West Ham fans gave their Man of the Match award on the official West Ham Twitter to the West Ham woodwork, with 57% voting in favour of that decision!

I was initially angry that City had thrown away three points. The gobby spotty youths being silly alongside us didn't help. Within a few minutes, all was good as some proper fans had a good chat with us.

Every Hammers fan we spoke to was spot on. My two pals, Tony and Peter, texted to say how they thought City should have won. They even admitted it was an extremely soft penalty decision.

Happy Families

Post-Match Beers

Within twenty-five minutes, we were back in the Bow Bells. Once again, the service was top drawer and the locals decent. I hung around to watch some of the West Brom v Man Utd game, while the others headed back to South London for food and drinks.

West Ham United P Wolverhampton Wanderers P 

Premier League - Sunday 18th March 2020

A good pal was heading to London with more friends, and he saw that his team was scheduled to play at the London Stadium during his trip. I’d bought the tickets, but the Coronavirus pandemic led to the match being postponed. 

Instead, we all enjoyed a walk in the city and then a few drinks. The game eventually ended in a 2-0 away win when played behind closed doors. Credit to the Hammers, who were excellent at keeping me updated on how to get a refund.

Stadium Visits - Thursday 3rd and Friday 4th December 2020

I enjoyed further visits as part of my 100-mile Sawasdee Cup Charity Walk, visiting all clubs in Greater London in the top five tiers.

West Ham United 3 KRC Genk 0

Europa League Group H - Thursday 21st October 2021

👨‍👨‍👧‍👧 45,980 🎟️ £30  

 

Pre-Match

£30 for a ticket enticed me to head to the London Stadium to watch European action. On the way to the game, I met my niece. We enjoyed a good but far too expensive Thai meal at the Adam & Eve in Homerton. 

A good pub, nonetheless, and just a short bus journey to Hackney Wick. My, the brewpubs and bars were busy around there as kick-off approached. It had been smart business from those who took the punt in moving out there. 

The Match

The Hammers proved to be too good for the Belgians, who tried to attack throughout and added to the entertainment. It was nice to see an excellent performance from Jarrod Bowen, an old Hull City favourite of mine. He’d continued to improve with added fitness and playing with better teammates. He added the third goal in the fifty-eighth minute. 

Earlier, Craig Dawson had put the hosts ahead in additional time at the end of the first half, before Issa Diop scored a minute before Bowen’s effort. The game added to a good evening in enjoyable company as my move overseas got closer.

Improved View

I had a stroke of luck when Tony messaged me to say that there were spare seats around him on the halfway line. So, at half time I moved from my corner place up in the Gods, which was simple enough with easy access all the way round the stadium on the concourses.

Credit to those in a position at the club. The stadium was much improved from my previous visit, at least aesthetically, with the corners behind the goal joining up and the scaffolding from the semi-permanent seating hidden.

Short of a complete rebuild, the gaps would remain. The crowd seemed more relaxed with the stadium and made a proper din at times. Perhaps a decent team was all that was required after all?

The well-marshalled queues made the walk back to Stratford station easier. We caught the Jubilee line back to Kingsbury after Tony showed me a quick way to the platform away from other passengers.