West Ham Vice Chairman Karren Brady seems to have changed tactics and is engaging with fans on twitter in an attempt to win them over in a new charm offensive.
Answering supporters questions on twitter Brady first set the record straight on the London Stadium naming rights.
“These rights are not ours to sell as they belong to E20 who are in charge of selling them, but the stadium is called London Stadium. “
On the promise of WiFi in the stadium she admitted: “Yes there has been a delay (which) was linked to Naming Rights & as you know this has not been concluded E20 & LS185 promise us will be in next season.”
On the question of stewarding quality Brady said: “I promise you resolving supporters issues with stewards is our No.1 priority”
On the subject of former Boleyn Ground stewards: “We call out to all previous Upton Park stewards to come & work at London Stadium & are looking to make West Ham United supporters ambassadors in the ground to bridge the gap”
She dismissed the claim former Boleyn Ground stewards were not offered jobs saying: “Utter rubbish. Every single one was offered a chance to move, and encouraged to do so”
Accused by one fan of lying about the gas leak which is causing one bridge to be closed Brady answered “Why on earth would we lie about a gas leak!”
Encouraged to employ more SLO’s (Supporter Liaison Officers) after the move to the London Stadium by one fan She replied: “We currently have 10, and yes recruiting now, we would like to get to 40 or 50”
She even offered to arrange a car parking space for one supporter whose wife is 36 weeks pregnant and gave advice to get birthday wishes or photos in the official programme.
Have we seen a new side to Karren Brady as she attempts to engage more with the fans?
Much as it’s good to see, I doubt it will last, DG who always tries to be responsive gets a dogs abuse, so do the younger Sullivan’s and that pales into insignificance compared to what some fans think of her and shout during games. Twitter should say that all people that use the platform as a source to air their hatred will have their details sent to Police and the Police should be able to take action, if you said some of the things that come out in the street you would be arrested so you shouldn’t be able to hide behind a username and broadcast it on twitter imho.
Hmmm I’m not sure I would go so far as to say she is charming! She gives me the impression that she thinks West Ham fans are beneath her and all her media work, her work with Cameron and her peerage (that I’m sure has absolutely nothing to do with the numerous donations made by the owners to the Tory party) has gone to her head. For me DG puts himself out there on Twitter far more often and shows far more humility even though he does get a lot of abuse for it. I think it’s time Sullivan got on Twitter to communicate with fans, too.