Stefan Borson issues ‘crazy’ West Ham new stadium claim after Karren Brady latest. West Ham moved into the London Stadium in 2016 and supporters are yet to take to the club’s new home.
The former Olympic Stadium in Stratford has been poorly-received by Irons fans with complaints about transport links and a lack of atmosphere dominating the discussion. As per Claret & Hugh (19 February), West Ham have lost almost 29,000 season ticket holders since moving to their new stadium almost 10 years ago.
The east London side reconfigured the stadium to bring fans closer to the pitch but questions remain about a possible move to a purpose-built home.
New stadium for West Ham would cost ‘£1-1.5billion’. Vice-chairwoman Karren Brady has recently launched a passioned defence of the London Stadium in an interview on Sky Sports’ Boardroom podcast (19 February).
She said: “I always make the decisions I believe are right, for the right reasons, and coming here was the right decision for the right reason.”
“I knew there would always be an element of the supporters that didn’t want to and people don’t like change, most people want things to stay the same. But actually, without change, you can’t evolve.”
As per Football Insider, West Ham fans responded furiously to Brady – with one claiming she is “destroying the club”. But former Man City financial adviser Stefan Borson exclusively told Football Insider has claimed there is “zero chance” of West Ham leaving the London Stadium in the near future.
He insisted a new stadium would cost the Irons up to “£1.5billion” and would be a “crazy” project for the club’s ownership to undertake. Borson told Football Insider: “We’ve gone a bit bonkers in terms of stadiums.
“Everton’s is the first new stadium which has been well-received. Most new stadiums have had a sizeable chunk of reluctant movers.
“Most of the time, you get the West Ham situation where people are sad about leaving the old, historic stadium. “I think the ship has sailed for a new stadium.
England’s six biggest club stadiums
“The idea that West Ham would relinquish the London Stadium, which they’ve got on the most incredible deal, and build another new stadium in London – it’s crazy.
“I think there’s zero chance of West Ham leaving.
“And nor should they. “I’ve been a number of times, and I don’t think it’s as bad as it’s made out for atmosphere.
“People are spread out, but it’s a very big stadium. You’d have to spend £1-1.5billion to get a stadium which is better – and it’s just not going to happen.
“It’s a crazy concept.”
West Ham set for £24m blow
Meanwhile, Football Insider has revealed (14 February) that West Ham are set to be more than £24million down on their anticipated Premier League prize money for this season.
The Irons currently sit 16th in the Premier League table after 26 matches – despite beating second-place Arsenal 1-0 at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday (22 February).
West Ham recorded a ninth-place finish under David Moyes last season before he was replaced by Julen Lopetegui in the summer.
