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I saw a comment from a West Ham social media account the other day which actually resonated with me! That in itself is something of a rarity.

What usually passes for informed news, views and opinion on the plethora of accounts bearing our club’s name I can dismiss in an instant with a weary shake of the head. KUMB.com and one or two others being the exception to that self-imposed rule. But this particular post struck a chord. It simply said: “I don’t think I have ever felt as detached from our football club as I do now.”




It’s not a view I take lightly – but in this instance it’s one I agree with wholeheartedly! I feel detached with a capital D – not to mention Depressed and Despondent. Never in my many years of living, breathing, celebrating highs and suffering lows have I felt further from the club I have supported since I was a young boy growing up in Canning Town.

Even in the dark days of the loathed and despised Bond Scheme of the early 1990s, when Chairman Terry Brown and Secretary Peter Storrie were public enemy No1 – West Ham supporters were at least standing shoulder to shoulder together. All fighting the same cause. United in their opposition! Speaking as one voice!

That certainly can’t be said of today. The opposition to the withdrawal of concessions to under 18s and over 65s is as acrimonious as the Bond Scheme ever was. The demand for the club to stick to their original promise of providing ‘Affordable Football’ for all as great as the demand 30-odd years ago to dump the Bond idea.

Most supporters seem to be united on that at least. But there are side issues rife amongst the fanbase and tearing them apart. Issues which generate acrimonious and abusive exchanges, with accusation and counter-accusation being made and genuine hatred flying back and forth across the social media airwaves.

Our previous manager was vilified by certain sections – a campaign which clearly played a major part in his eventual departure from the club. Change was demanded despite what had been achieved in recent years. Change which eventually happened – but if anything it has only served to increase the bitterness and discontent.

David Moyes' supporters, and there are still many, are frequently quick to point out we appear to have gone backwards not forwards since he left. While those who demanded change and a new man at the helm are now far from happy with what is being served up.




There is always going to be disagreement amongst fans over players, managers and playing styles – that’s the nature of the beast called football. But what we are seeing now goes further than just disagreement and a healthy debate. I thought it was bad enough last season with the 'Moyes Out' campaign. But it’s even worse now' in my opinion.

The football being dished up is dire and depressing! The dialogue aimed at the owner and board is ever more factious. For their part, the board’s own apparent dissatisfaction with what was THEIR choice of new Head Coach appears to be growing day by day.

The argument between fans, even now, over the previous manager rages on. The equally bitter fans’ response to the job the present Head Coach is doing – and the growing clamour for him to be gone – gains momentum day by day. It’s a perfect storm, if ever there was one!

From the outside it looks as if we are family at war – hell bent on a course for self-destruction. It’s difficult to argue with that view – even if you love this club as many of us still do.

I’ve always been proud and fiercely protective of my club. Yet right now I feel as if I want to bury my head in the sand so I can’t see and hear what’s going on - or hide away in a darkened room to give myself time to regain my sanity.

I’m still a Hammer – of course I am! But I feel I’m a reluctant Hammer and that doesn’t sit right with me. I shouldn’t feel that way. None of us should. It’s wrong - and the quicker that changes, the better.

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