This is a copy of the letter I have sent to Paul Aldridge and John Ball at West Ham.
Dear Mr. Aldridge,
My name is Chim (name changed to protect the innocent
) and I am a lifelong supporter of West Ham United, I will be forty this May. I have been given your name by the club, as the person most suited to assist me. I am a club member, member of an unofficial web forum on
http://www.kumb.com and a regular supporter at both home and away matches. For a few seasons now at Upton Park, it has been very noticeable that the atmosphere at the matches has been subdued and not helpful to the team. The fortress that was Upton Park is no more and opposing teams are no longer intimidated. You could argue that this is due to the product produced on the pitch, and it certainly is a large factor. However, it is the feeling of the vast majority of the support that I have spoken to, both at matches and on the internet, that this is due to the lack of vocal support being given to the team and this is accounted for by seating arrangements at matches. Our away support is fantastic, as they all share the desire to vocalise their support for the team, it is no coincidence that they are all sat together, I feel.
In the days of terraces, supporters could gather within the ground and chant Bubbles etc.. with their mates and other like minded supporters merely by turning up at the match. Everybody who went during these times had a preferred end or side of the ground and knew where to stand if they wanted to sing. These same people are dispersed a little more now throughout the ground and the stands in which they sit, and it is a lot more difficult to get a chant supported, as a consequence. Whether supporters wish to chant or not is an individual choice, as it always has been, but bringing together those that do would increase the volume of support for the team and add to the experience of visiting Upton Park for everybody.
My question, finally I hear you say, is simply this: Would the club be willing to investigate the possibility of creating singing areas, or something similar, within the stands, or is the club opposed to it in principle full-stop? I have e-mailed Brighton & Hove Albion Football club, as I have been told that they had a similar problem with atmosphere at The Withdean Stadium and found singing areas to be the answer. I hope that they can provide me with ideas and advice. The twelfth man factor and home advantage for any football team is a massive boost to their confidence and it’s value cannot be underestimated in many people’s eyes. Some of our traditional songs are also in danger of slipping away in to the ether and for a club steeped in history and tradition such as West Ham, this would be a travesty.
In closing, I would say that this is a win, win situation for the club. I understand that there are various issues, concerns and opinions to be taken in to consideration but it would appear to me that there is vast scope here for an accord, suitable to all, to be struck.
If I can help you in anyway then please do not hesitate to contact me.
Yours in anticipation,
Nothing ventured, nothing gained eh?