West Ham United's latest CEO, Karim Virani, met Hammers fans for the first time on Wednesday evening during a meeting with the club's Fan Advisory Board.
And first impressions of Karren Brady's temporary replacement - a Hammers fan himself - were overwhelmingly positive, according to attendees of the meeting which took place at the London Olympic Stadium.
Virani, centre, pictured with members of the FAB
A report posted on the FAB's website earlier today (Thursday) confirmed the meeting had gone well. "Years of experience have unfortunately given a fairly cynical view of dealings with our club, and of course actions speak louder than words," it read.
"But it’s fair to say last night suggested a new approach, a realisation the club is nothing without supporters, an acceptance bridges need to be built, and an apparent willingness to treat the FAB, and its many thousands of constituent members, as valued partners. Karim is keen and clearly sees the value of collaboration while accepting the club doesn’t have all the answers."
And the FAB's report indicated there would be some encouraging news for Hammers fans on the horizon.
"Despite the clouds on the horizon, the club gave us an indication of some potential positive news around ticketing that will be appreciated by our supporters, not finalised yet but certainly positive," the FAB report added. "And that, relatively unprompted, although consistently requested and negotiated, is very much a first in recent relations.
"The next couple of weeks are of course critical to our club’s immediate future, league status and ultimate ownership. But last night hinted at words not often heard after these meetings 'hope and optimism', plus a desire to return much of the proud family sense of belonging and identity that made us pretty unique until recent years."
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