Adrian Durham: neutrals will dilute OS atmosphere

Radio presenter and Hammers fan, Adrian Durham, has been penning his thoughts in The Daily Mail today about West Ham’s move to the Olympic Stadium.

While Durham, who can be heard telling the world what he thinks on talkSPORT,  says the move to the Olympic Stadium will herald a new era of competitiveness for the Irons and admits the sky could the limit for the Hammers – he also believes the matchday atmosphere will be diluted by casual supporters wanting to watch Premier League games on the cheap.

He said: “I’m a traditionalist, and I am going to miss Upton Park. But the days of football grounds sitting in the middle of residential areas are dying out, whether we like it or not.For West Ham, the move will herald a new era, and if the club is managed correctly should elevate them to a new level of competitiveness in the Premier League, and maybe even Europe.”

“Valid questions have been raised about how the Hammers will no longer own their own home, so the people who made that decision need to get everything right about this move.They will lose their home, and there is one more sacrifice West Ham will have to make. two friends of mine who also went to the Olympic Stadium for rugby last week, decided after that visit to buy family season tickets for West Ham for 2016-17. One is a Leeds fan, the other doesn’t support a particular club. Both live in the south east.

“They were so impressed with the stadium, and their kids love football so much, they decided it would be a cheap way to watch Premier League football in a top class venue. There will be a significant number of non-Hammers at games next season and that will dilute the atmosphere.’

‘Long term, the ‘new’ families attending will give birth to a whole generation of new West Ham fans. Getting close to the old atmosphere which can sometimes be created at Upton Park, will depend on the players of course, but it will also depend on how well the club is run at the top, at Board level.

“If they can run a club fit for such a special stadium, and if a team is produced that deserves to play in such a sporting cathedral, then the sky really is the limit for West Ham.”