Why West Ham supporters are deserving of more credit
There have been plenty of highs and lows at Upton Park over the past ten years or so, with managers and players coming in and out on a yearly basis have made it extremely difficult for consistency and stability for the Hammers fans. A second spell in the Championship in the space of 7 years for West Ham has made the supporters more passionate and loyal than ever.
Areas of the media and rival supporters brand Hammers fans hard to please and fickle, something that is an understandable opinion but they will find it hard to back the statement up. With the farce that has been the running of the club since the Icelandic group took over in 2006, it has been tough to watch at Upton Park, but the clubs’ fans have never turned their back on their side and turn up week in week out.
This season has been a prime example of the support that is one of the best in country. The East-End club do not have the biggest stadium in the Championship but do have the highest attendances in the league. For a club that has been relegated after a dismal show last season that takes loyalty to consistently turn up each week and get behind your team. Away from home it is a similar story that has been the real positive from relegation in my opinion.
West Ham will consistently sell out their away end at opposition’s stadiums but this season has seen the club take that to another level. Once the allocation is sold out, the co-chairman applies for more tickets and that is something that the poorly supported clubs with bigger grounds are more than happy to accept.
For example a record breaking 6,800 Hammers will be at the Ricoh Arena on Saturday for the league visit to Coventry after there were 5,000 at Hull a week ago. The club have confirmed that the 4,700 tickets available for Reading away in two weeks time have also been snapped up, emphasising the terrific support this season for the promotion favourites.
Newcastle United had a similar situation when they were in the Championship a few years ago, going on to become a strong Premier League force once again and that is the long term aim for West Ham. For a team in the Championship to be supported as well as the Hammers have been this season is remarkable and people questioning their loyalty should rethink that.
The majority of supporters I have spoken to are fully behind Sam Allardyce and the owners; despite what the press may tell you; and with the club sitting second in the Championship table, there are reasons for optimism for all Hammers fans and it is the start of something special at Upton Park with everyone singing from the same hymn sheet once again.
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A fair article, and the points that you make are very true, but I’ve never recalled people ever doubting West Ham United supporters’ loyalty?
Anyone who knows their onions will know that West Ham United fans are amongst the most loyal supporters in the country; and they’re certainly the best supporters in London, without a doubt. They always have been.
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Brad Pinard Reply:
November 14th, 2011 at 10:11 pm
Absolutely agree, I have heard quite a bit of criticism from people in the media and twitter etc about how West Ham fans treat their managers and having a divine right to play good football recently.
I am pleased that a non-West Ham fan can see what is going on though. Cheers.
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2nd that ryan most passionate and loyal fans ever,coyi!
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yes west ham do have the most loyal support in the south east only matched by newcastle and man city in the north who i am happy to see both doing well in the prem it is not hard to see why spurs and leyton do not want the hammmers to get the os in stratford coz they both know if the irons ever get there act together they will both be in da shit
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spuds hater Reply:
November 15th, 2011 at 5:51 pm
And wouldnt that be a shame for them losers ha ha ha
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dazza, bit much moaning about giants tottenham hotspur we`re “north london lalala!” 12-14 biggest in world 179. million followers 3. million loyal fans in britain few if any can match…poor leyton orient not much empathy… spammer hammers fans are firm beware their smeg-heads lol…spooks london dudes posse outlaws…trick or treat.
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spuds hater Reply:
November 18th, 2011 at 9:32 pm
ha ha ha not again spuds dreaming again lets all laugh at spuds ha ha
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Major Reply:
January 27th, 2012 at 12:53 pm
Please re-type all of that in english you thick Spurs twat.
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