Boleyn Ground lights switched back on
Some argue that the image of Bobby Moore turning off the lights should have been it and no more games should be played on the hallowed turf after last Tuesday.
In reality, West Ham have always hired out the pitch for between £5,000 and £10,000 for half a days for those with deep enough pockets and this season is no exception.
This Wednesday 18th May sees the annual Football Aid tournament, where fans have paid hundreds of pounds for charity to play on the Boleyn Ground one last time. A limited number of spectator tickets are available for £5 each on their website.
Saturday 21st May sees a private hire of the pitch by S14 Limited, the company which supplies the majority of the West Ham players with their cars. Jimmy Bullard, Chris Powell, Jimmy Walker and Tubes from Soccer AM are said to playing in that behind closed doors game.
Thursday 26th May sees an adults 11-a-side event hosted by Frank McAvennie, where fans have paid £210 each to take part in a game and get 90 minutes on the pitch.
Friday 27th May sees a charity game between Ex-West Ham players and Great Ormand Street Children’s Hospital charity. The Ex-West Ham team is managed by Tony Cottee and players have paid £450 for the privilege of playing 45 minutes or £900 for the full 90 minutes.
Monday 30th May sees a historic match between The Royal Engineers against the reformed Upton Park FC. Admission is free of charge for anyone to attend.
A decision as yet to made on the West Ham Ladies match on Sunday 5th June but ClaretandHugh has been told there may be another private hire of the pitch on Monday 6th June – which we are told will be the last time the pitch is hired.
Sources close to the club have also told ClaretandHugh that are health and safety concerns if large numbers of spectators turn up for any of these events. A number important safety signs are missing and many seats have been ripped up and are in an unsafe condition with jagged plastic edges in the aftermath of the ‘final’ game last week!
