WEST Ham United held its third Fans' Forum at Upton Park on
Monday evening (24th January), with another 29 supporters attending
to fire their questions at Managing Director Paul Aldridge and
Financial Director Nick Igoe.
Once again, a number of high-profile issues were on the agenda most
notably the Club's financial position, where Nick Igoe assured
supporters West Ham United is not facing administration.
"The Club will not go into administration," he insisted.
"Most businesses operate with debt, but after a turnover of
£35 million a year West Ham United is capable of servicing its
debt and remaining solvent.
"Obviously our aim is to return the Club to the Premiership
and when that happens give West Ham United every chance of
remaining in the top-flight."
Paul Aldridge added: "We reinvest as much money as possible in
the team and fully support the manager in his efforts to strengthen
the squad.
"However, West Ham United has been around for over 100 years
and we have a duty to protect that heritage and not do anything
that will jeopardise the Club."
Everything from Kiosk to Season Ticket pricing was discussed, with
supporters voicing their opinions on a wide range of topics, from
the position of the Upton Park scoreboards to the Kids For A Quid
scheme, which has attracted mixed reaction from fans.
"Kids For A Quid was started to attract the next generation of
fans to Upton Park," explained Paul Aldridge. "We wanted
to keep it very simple and encourage as many youngsters as possible
to come to matches. It has been very positive, but we have to be
fair to other supporters in the ground, and the scheme may be
reviewed in the future to link it in with adult or family
tickets."
So far, the Fans' Forums have proved a hit with supporters, and
those that attended yesterday believed the evening had been a
success.
Season Ticket Holder, Brian Easter, said: "The Forum went into
a lot more depth than I had expected and I thought it was an honest
exchange of views. Most fans I know would love the chance to sit
down and interact with the Club's Directors and I think the
Forums are a positive step in the fans' involvement with the
Club."
Lifelong supporter, Baz O'Connell, added: "It was very
educational and a great experience for fans. Hopefully, more
supporters will get involved in the Forums and the Club can make it
a regular event."
Fans were also treated to a special showing of West Ham
United's new Reebok home and away kits for next season, which
were almost as well received as model Samantha!
The next Fans' Forum on Monday 21st February 2005 is now full,
however the Club will announce more dates on the website and in the
matchday programme soon.
Fans' Forum Feedback
26th January 2005