By Hugh Southon
ClaretandHugh Editor
West Ham’s co chairman David Sullivan has exclusively revealed to ClaretandHugh that fan protests provoked the inquest into Sam Allardyce’s position at Upton Park.
Having survived the lengthy quizzing into his future, Sullivan has made it clear that it was the fans reaction which was closest to his heart when considering Allardyce’s continuing role as team boss.
Speaking to me immediately after the announcement that the 59 year old manager was staying Sullivan – in a question and answer session – made his position clear.
I asked: “It’s widely believed it was fan protests that were at the bottom of the board’s thinking when considering Sam’s position – was that the case?”
The co-chairman responded: “In fact it was the most important thing. That’s why we looked for assurances from the manager and the addition of a striking coach.”
I then asked: “How are season tickets selling – how worried are you about a fan lashback both generally and at the box office from this decision?”
He responded: “They are roughly level with last year, and we have a large list of people waiting for the best seats if any long standing season ticket holders do not renew.
“I think supporters realise they need to renew or they’ll go to the bottom of the list to get tickets at the Olympic stadium.
“That said and done, we do not want to lose a single season ticket holder and we hope they think long and hard if they are thinking of not renewing.”
Sounds very patronising and very threatening .
The Fans want to vent their anger – but are left with a big decision to make –
As for a waiting list dont make me laugh –
If sales are the same as last year then, spare seats will be once again avalible for the coming season…. Otherwise why do Gold & Sullivan advertise on Talksport Radio every year about getting down to support Hoofball at Upton Jurassic Park ? Come and Cheer on the Dudley Dinosaur and the boyz …… What a Joke !
I have to ask, after hearing what Sullavan said how did it make you feel Hugh? this comes across awful to me. We’re not bothered as others are waiting in the wings for their tickets, those that don’t renew will lose their OS placing!
This post vents my already high anger.
How exactly a striking coach will add to our attack I’d love to see. I can’t see Sam changing his tried and trusted ways by any means.
A little bravado praps – meeting fire with fire.I think too the reality is most will renew
Personally, i think Allardyce would have got the message. He now has to open doors that have remained firmly closed through his managerial career, such as how do we play entertaining football & put the ball in their net in the process. I reckon that Sullivan & Gold have said that it’s quite obvious Sam that you may need some assistance in that respect. A change of manager as things stand would have taken almost a complete restructure of the squad & playing staff, & don’t forget that many of the players have come out in support of Sam including Mark Noble. No, as much as i as many others, would have been open to a change, this is probably the wisest decision. I do think that the owners have listened & i do think that Sam knows the position he is in & what we all expect. The pressure is on him & now he will start to earn that paypacket. I expected him to be gone but then, all things may be lawful, but not all things are advantageous. I think we will see a change in attitude in the new season.