- West Ham United left Upton Park ten years ago
- The move to the London Stadium has been berated
- Jamie Carragher says he has “never heard a fanbase so unhappy with a stadium move”
West Ham United’s relegation may have dominated the headlines in recent weeks, but fan fury extends well beyond what transpired on the pitch this season.
Ten years after leaving Upton Park, tensions between the fan base and the club’s owners are as high as ever. Protests have become commonplace near the London Stadium, with many fans still disillusioned by the promises made when the move to Stratford was initially announced under David Sullivan’s ownership.
While the stadium has increased attendance and income, a sizable portion of the fan base maintains that the move has removed much of the atmosphere and identity that formerly defined West Ham. The disconnect between supporters and the hierarchy has only grown after relegation to the Championship.
Jamie Carragher shares surprising view on West Ham fans’ feelings towards London Stadium
That simmering resentment has been highlighted by former Liverpool defender and Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher, who believes that West Ham fans are experiencing something unprecedented in English football.
Speaking on The Overlap, Carragher stated that he had “never heard a fanbase so unhappy with a stadium move” and indicated that there is no equivalent example in football.
“I don’t think I’ve ever heard a fan base so unhappy with a stadium move as West Ham supporters,” Carragher said.
“It doesn’t feel like anybody’s happy with that or can see any uplift in any way.
“I mean, you get 60,000. What was West Ham 40? 35/40?
“Is there no way you could see what they were thinking in terms of you know more fans, more money into the club to supposedly buy better players, we have more revenue (etc)?”
The comments will strike a chord with many Hammers supporters, particularly those who have long expressed concerns about the London Stadium experience. Despite usually boasting an average attendance of 62,347 people – the second-most in the country behind Manchester United’s 73,975 – the stadium’s soundtrack has often been the frequent boos.
Carragher’s opinion also seems to contradict prior statements by former vice-chair Karren Brady, who praised the switch as the most successful stadium move in football history. For many observers, however, the promises of a world-class football experience and a club capable of contending at the highest level have yet to be realised. Now, the stadium will be home for second-tier football in the 2026-27 season.
