The ongoing dispute between West Ham United and its supporters over ticket pricing and concessions has escalated with the club’s decision to threaten the removal of complimentary tickets for club legend David Cross.
The former striker’s vocal criticism of the club’s policy, which has seen a significant increase in ticket prices and the removal of concessions for new tickets for under-21s and over-66s, has struck a chord with many fans who feel increasingly alienated from their club. Combined with re-siting new ‘concessions’ tickets in some of the least accessible parts of the stadium, it is fair to say the policy has not been popular with some of those who have been longest supporting the club.
The decision to target Cross, a revered figure among the fanbase, has only served to inflame tensions and create a deeper sense of resentment towards the club’s hierarchy. The move is seen by many as an attempt to silence dissent and intimidate supporters.
This latest development highlights a growing disconnect between the club and its supporters, with fans feeling increasingly marginalised and taken for granted. The issue of ticket pricing is a complex one, but the club’s handling of the situation has been widely criticised.
West Ham must now navigate a delicate situation. They face a choice between placating their fans and adhering to their commercial objectives. Failure to address the concerns of supporters could lead to further protests and boycotts, potentially impacting the club’s revenue and atmosphere at matches at a time when Irons’ fans across the world should be looking forward to the new season after some pretty phenomenal investment by the self-same Management board !
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If I was Sully I wouldn’t pick a fight with psycho!!! Many tried. Many failed
Sullivan and Brady as Wilde said they know the price of everything and the value of nothing. If they genuinely want to save money start with advice Chairman’s role. But then Tories got to be Tories.
Offer football arguments or don’t bother. Attempting to make it a political issue is absurd and just makes you look ridiculous.
Psycho has a damned good point
The last time we want aggro is when we hope to do better
for the cost we can do with better support and a slight dip in revenue
would only benefit the club in the long run
Fans are most important , don’t turn this into a business , bring the youth on . It is not a business.
But we’re not seen as Fans David just “customers”….
A decision made for the here and now, not one for the future. I can only assume the sale of the club is reaching the top of the pile in the to do list.
Owners come, owners go, players come, players go,managers come, managers go and so it goes throughout the organisation, except for one element, the loyal supporter is always there through good and through bad.
This ownership and management structure is severely testing that loyalty of our dedicated supporters, and maybe, just maybe they will vote with their feet and go like the rest of them.
We are nothing more than a commodity to them, they just don’t realise how important we really are, and never will until it’s too late.
Well said, Cliff!
Wow David Cross, a real gentleman, he had a sponsored car from my workshop, with David Cross scores with Gidea Park Motors written on the doors.
Sullivan and Brady are billionaire and millionaire and behave like them! They have nothing but contempt for proper west ham fans who’ve followed west ham through tough times! They only look after themselves and their share values and aren’t interested in older fans or families with youngsters. They should be ashamed off themselves for penny pinching off these loyal individuals.
Yeah. Let’s make all seats £5 each with no discrimination of age, sex or means testing. Can’t get a ticket or ten now. No chance at all if they’re giving them away.
COYI
It would be good to understand the maths, how much extra revenue is this generating? Then compare to say cost of Ings wages for sitting in a category A seat for the next 2 years.
Can someone explain tickets with concessions? I’m not sure we have that in the states and I don’t fully understand what the issue is.
Concession tickets are reduced priced tickets for people under a certain age, or over a certain age. That would mean a discounted price for under 21’s and over 65’s but the club have changed this. They have raised the age of pensioners to 66+ and have stopped concession pricing on all areas of the ground and forced them to sit in the very top areas of the stadium. Those aged 65+, or having mobility issued, would struggle to get to these seats. If they want too sit in lower, more accessible areas, they would have to pay full price. This also applies to season ticket renewals, if they have them, full price or sit away from family and friends.
They are saving a very small amount of money by removing ticket concessions for the young and for pensioners compared to the loss of goodwill and the loss of revenue when tickets are not sold. Just look at the “15,000” for the Betway Cup. I’m sure they were expecting many, many more.
So very West Ham at a time they tell about a new beginning with new manager and players that they choose the ticket concessions issue to disconnect from the supporters.
Just reinstate the concessions and admit you miscalculated- simple!!
I really have no idea how Sullivan amassed such a fortune, surely it’s a no brainer, to be successful you should maximise your overheads and minimise your income…. 🤦♂️
Another way to look at it is West Ham’s cheapest season ticket price is £345, that’s £728 cheaper than Arsenals lowest price.
The only fair way is to compare prices with other PL clubs. I don’t think you will find new prices to be out of order. Main problem seems to be accessibility for the over 65’s who may or may not be able to negotiate stairs. Not all over 65’s are infirm I’m nearly 80 and with a just a little help can get anywhere. Perhaps look to a solution for the disabled.
Transfer fees and wages need to be paid for. At less than 50 quid a game (booby or trev stand) it’s still a fair price for all the home games in a fairly new stadium with a team that can challenge for Europe again. Try seeing what you can get for £50 in the NFL/NHL/MLB/NBA maybe a couple of hotdogs and a few beers but certainly not a ticket to watch a game. Maybe MLB if your team sucks. Typical fans wanting something for nothing and expecting the team to do well. If you don’t want to pay it go and watch it done the rub a dub but don’t blame the landlord if he doesn’t have it on because sky charge the him the same as a season ticket to have it on the custard. COYI