ClaretandHugh’s top blogger and East End boy Scott Alsweiller is ‘exiled’ in New York. He lives, breathes, eat and drinks West Ham United and in this latest piece pays his personal tribute to the two Davids for all they have done since taking over our great club six years ago.
“There is no other club we would want to be at so for us we have come home and that’s what it’s all about” – David Sullivan.
Six years ago Messrs. Sullivan and Gold came in and rescued us. Our situation was dire. We were on the verge of becoming a footnote to history. TIFC/WHUFC 1895-2010. An ignominious end to a tradition and club we all loved. Our owners were broke, and had left the club in deep trouble. It’s difficult to emphasize just how close we were to disappearing entirely.
There were other bidders. But none were ever going to be as personally involved, and as emotionally attached, as our Davids. Their love for West Ham is palpable – David Gold played for West Ham Boys as a youngster, and they’ve both always been supporters. And it shows. We’re unique and blessed to have them at the helm.
Now, six years after our near collapse, look where we are. Riding high, with a manager we love, playing football our way – the West Ham Way – and loving it. It’s worth remembering that it hasn’t been an easy road to travel. Nobody is likely to forget Avram Grant, or his successor (although that one does deserve credit for pulling us back into the top tier at least). But it’s all changed, and that is thanks to the owners.
When you look around the leagues, you’ll see few clubs where the owners are real fans. Far too many are owned by people who only see a business opportunity. Owners with not even the most tenuous connections with the clubs they own. Owners who don’t share the passion, who don’t feel the joy and despair that comes with being part of a club with a rich history and camaraderie. Ours are different.
As we move forward into our new home, it’s true, they may look for additional partners. But I hope we never see them selling on simply to take a profit. And I don’t think they’re likely to do so. They interact regularly with us – the fans – and it seems a love of West Ham United is a family affair as well. Jack Sullivan may have sometimes overstepped the bounds, but there’s no denying that he feels very strongly about the club, and wants to be a part of it.
Most of us, myself included, will probably never get the chance to personally thank them for what they’ve done for us. But the gratitude is real. And this is one way to express it.
Messrs. Gold and Sullivan; thank you. You’ve saved, and given back to us, the club we love. You’ll lead us to our new home, and into future glory. We know that our future in in good hands. Your obvious dedication and unwavering support will help us onwards as we continue to become leaders in the League and in Europe. May the next six years be filled with beautiful football, passionate play, and maybe even some silverware.
I thank you from the bottom of my heart
I have been a Hammers fan for over 50 years since my Dad took me to see the Man Utd v The Hammers in the 1964 FA Cup semi final. My parents had a shop around the corner to Upton Park, my uncle owned the cafe opposite the ground. I remember Moore, Hurst and Peter’s winning the ’66 World Cup. I remember being at Wembley celebrating Brooking’s header. But not since those days have I been so proud to be part of the Hammers family. And yes I agree it’s due to the 2 Dave’s, fans like us. They deserve every acolade, they have saved our club and the future looks as bright as it’s ever done. I hope that at our last match they are on the pitch with our team and manager so we can show them how much we appreciate them. COYI!
I call shenanigans! you wrote my thoughts down without fault. after the Icelandic chaos & despair I couldn’t think of a better way forward than what we got. the Dave’s showed themselves to be savvy & well intentioned whilst at brum & I think were now benefiting from their time in the midlands. whilst Sam was a marriage of (in)convenience it feels wonderful to have love & passion back with Slav. great times. COYI
Well said Scott and agree with No 32 re Sam – I’m not a fan of the person or his style or football and his actions towards to the fans were out of order, but he was s stable pair of hands to steer this club back from the brink it was left in. The fact that they’re diving into their pockets for Byram proves that they want the best for this club. They could have let him go and gone for another option in the Summer. But they, and Slav, want this guy so are working it so it’s possible. And it seems Byram wants to come to us too. Good times!
They have done a great job and agree we are lucky, whatever people think about Allardyce it was he in partnership with them that for 3 years at least put the foundations in that Slav is now building on, the chairmen recognise that and for me he will go down as one of the most important managers we have had even if I was deeply opposed to the brand of football we had to play, I understand that up until a point it was necessary and that is something else to thank them for.
I wouldn’t change a single word of this post; I agree entirely with what is said and doubt there are many who do. Very well said!
That should read ” I entirely agree with what is said and doubt there are many who don’t” Oops” 😉
Very well said I think we should all endorse this post so for once the two David’s will know their efforts are recognised by us all
Heartily endorse every word of a very good post..WELL SAID.and just watched David Sullivan on sky sports news. Great interview show clearly how he loves the club. And has the same worries and feelings as the rest of us.. Long may they stay. COUI
thats a good post fella,
apart from AvramGrant and Sam Allardyce Messr’s Gold and Sullivan are the best thing to happen to WHU since a few eastend shipbuilders decided to take up Football after work over a century ago!