For many West Ham fans and employees alike, the final game of the final season at the Boleyn Ground is going to be a poignant, emotional and memorable occasion. Win, lose or draw on Saturday 7 May, it will no doubt be a real “I was there” moment.
Meet Karl Smith, the Ticketing & Customer Service Supervisor for that, and almost every other West Ham game over the last decade.
For Karl, an avid West Ham fan, he is approaching that fixture against Swansea City with a mixture of in trepidation and excitement.
“As an employee I’m absolutely dreading it as the demand for tickets for that game is going to be massive. As a supporter it’ll be an emotional day. I hope we can sign off with a win, as it’ll be a great for everyone connected to the Club.
“I would’ve loved for my Dad, John, to still be around for it. He loved the Club, and if it weren’t for him, I wouldn’t be a West Ham fan.”
Now into his tenth season, the Whipps Cross-born employee explained how he came to work for his boyhood Club.
“It was strange really. I was made redundant at a previous job, and a friend of mine recommended me for a job here. I was only supposed to be here for six months.
“It was a weird transition going from a fan to seeing a bit behind the scenes. When things are going well, it’s great but over the years we’ve had relegation and then it feels like you can’t get away.
“My role is to make sure everything is working properly. There’s quite a lot on the customer services side of things too.”
Not only an employee, Karl has travelled the length and breadth of the country to support his beloved Claret and Blues.
“I’ve been a Season Ticket Holder for many years and I used to go on a lot of away days too.
“The best away games that stick out are Paolo Di Canio’s goal in the FA Cup away at Manchester United, but I’ve also been there when we lost 7-1! It’s still worth it for the few times we win!
“I’ve been to Anfield many times and I was at the Sunderland FA Cup game, a midday kick off which meant waking up at 3am!”
What about home games here at his beloved Boleyn Ground?
“I have many special memories of games and goals at this ground but my absolute stand out moment is a game against Ipswich Town a few years ago.
“Something about the atmosphere that day was just incredible. I’ve been to some big derby games around the world but that day was a level above. The noise and the atmosphere that day, I’ll never forget it, which for me is what football is all about.”
Now living in Rainham, Karl has numerous close colleagues and even some family members, including his sister Danielle, working around him. For some people that set-up may sound like headache waiting to happen, yet for Karl, it is ideal and he wouldn’t have it any other way.
“I think working with people you know so well and get along with makes it extra special. I’m not saying it always plain sailing, but overall, we get along and I think that family feel of the Club is very important.
“One thing that I only realised since I started working here was how big West Ham really is. Just seeing the amount of supporters who come in every week is fantastic.
“I truly believe we can sell the new Stadium out. I can understand why people will be sad leaving this place. I’ve always thought that you can’t push any further unless we upgrade. For a number of reasons I think it’s important we move.”