Rio Ferdinand defends West Ham's identity

  • by Staff Writer
  • Wednesday, 30th November 2016

Former Hammers defender Rio Ferdinand believes despite the move from Upton Park and the issues at London Stadium, the history and tradition of West Ham still resonates with people.

In a wide-ranging interview with Blowing Bubbles Monthly, the BT Sport pundit doesn't agree that violence in the stands and feeling around the country that West Ham got the Olympic Stadium on the cheap has harmed the club's identity.

"West Ham is a club where people really have a connection – they look at the club and they see something of themselves there, and that’s why as well as having its own fans, so many supporters of other teams have West Ham as their second team," he explained.

"It’s a club which is about tradition, family, history and friendships which last forever."

Read more from Ferdinand, including his excitement at teaming up with Bobby Zamora and Mark Noble to invest their time, money and effort in the Legacy Foundation, in Blowing Bubbles' December issue.


The December issue


Elsewhere in the popular publication, which supporters can get hard copies of on their way from Stratford Tube Station and Stratford International to the Olympic Park from 3.30pm on Saturday, Phil Parkes is unveiled as a new columnist.

The former Hammers shot-stopper Phil Parkes is convinced Slaven Bilic is the right man to steer the Hammers away from relegation woes and to a brighter future.

Meanwhile, George Parris believes Adrian will come back better and stronger after being replaced by Darren Randolph.

Writing is his column for Blowing Bubbles, he added: "Adrian has really been punished this season for the mistakes he has made. There were a few he made last season that he got away with but not this year.

"These mistakes have cost us not only goals but also points, and it does play on your mind as a defender. You start to do things differently."

Blowing Bubbles also focus on Edmilson Fernandes and why he could prove to be a huge star in London.

They also ask if we have ever got the better of Arsenal in the transfer market, whether or not Leon Britton will always been seen as a talent we let go, and look back on our famous victory at Anfield last season.

Blowing Bubbles also argues why December will be the month to define our season, looks back on some recent Boxing Day victories, and catch up with former West Ham Ladies captain Katie Bottom..

For those living in the UK who aren't going to the Arsenal game, you can secure your issue here.

Those living in Europe and further afield can also pay for a hard copy on the same page as well as securing a subscription to receive future issues.

Digital copies are available here, as well as Apple Newsstand and mobile and tablet app Magzter.

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