Brady statement given thumbs-up

  • by Staff Writer
  • Thursday, 6th December 2012

Supporters have welcomed a statement by vice-chair Karren Brady confirming that the consultation process with fans will step up a gear now that the club have been formally named as 'preferred bidders' for the Olympic Stadium.

London mayor Boris Johnson formerly announced yesterday lunchtime that West Ham United had been unanimously voted highest-ranked bidder by the London Legacy Development Corporation for tenancy of the stadium.

Naturally, the news was welcomed by the board of West Ham United who have worked diligently over the past two years to win the right to move the club two miles across the borough of Newham to Startford.

Yet despite the club's delight, it has long been a bone of contention with a great number of supporters that the owners have failed to fully engage the fan base with view to the move.

Although a Supporters' Advisory Board was created and consulted at various stages, at no point have all season ticket holders been asked for their view - something that has angered many fans.

However that is all set to change according to Brady, who revealed after Johnson's announcement that "a more intensive consultation process will commence immediately".

Addressing the club's fanbase, Brady wrote: "We have been given assurances that our full vision for a world-class stadium will be realised and we cannot wait for you to be able to see this for yourselves.

"We, like you, have been frustrated by the constraints upon us in terms of our ability to share our plans and can assure you that we will now share full details as soon as we are able to.

"As part of this we stand by our commitment to conduct full supporter consultation regarding the move, including the polling of supporters. You can be confident that wherever there is an opportunity for West Ham to input in the decisions going forward, our supporters will be at the forefront.

"We have already taken the first step towards this by calling an emergency meeting of our Supporter Advisory Board on Tuesday 11th December to advise on the best methods to consult the wider support base going forward.

"Our absolute priority is to take you on this fantastic journey with us, to consult with you and ensure you are a part of it every step of the way. We have high ambitions for West Ham United and will seek your full input to ensure this iconic world-class stadium becomes a true home for our club, our proud heritage and you, our deserving and loyal fans."

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