Magnusson: no drama

Eggert Magnusson has spoken to reassure supporters in the wake of the club's announcement regarding his future earlier this week.

The Hammers confirmed on Tuesday that Magnusson would be relinquishing his executive role at the club in order to concentrate on other projects, such as the proposed stadium move.

Some feared that the announcement hinted at Magnusson's eventual departure from the club - not so, according to the man himself.

"There is no drama in this. We are strengthening the foundation of the club," he told Icelandic daily Morgunbladid.

"I just needed time to breath. A lot has been going on and taking up my time but now I can focus on taking West Ham into the future.

"I never intended to run the club this way, being a managing director and chairman. But things turned out that way when I took over from Terry Brown, as I had to respond to a surprising situation when Paul Aldridge left. He had been managing director for 10 years.

"A lot has been going on this year but we decided this was the right time for a change. We have been sailing in troubled waters of late."

Magnusson also revealed that the Carlos Tevez affair had 'taken its toll', but confirmed that he would continue to follow the team around the country, as before.

"First and foremost I am a football fan - and I will follow the team wherever it goes despite these changes," he added.

"Our next game is against Newcastle and I will of course be there with the supporters. It's a massive game for us because not many teams come away with a good result from there."

And with regards to his new role, he added:

"We are set to relocate to a new ground. It's clear that the Olympic Stadium is not for us but we have several other options.

"After having had discussions with Ken Livingston we are now focusing on a area near the proposed Olympic Stadium. I think the new West Ham Stadium will fair well there and would be part of a commercial and housing area.

"There is a lot to do - but there is a real optimism at the club."