West Ham United fans have taken to displaying protest banners that cut to the bone, with messages such as 'Sold a Dream Given a Nightmare' and 'LIES, LIES, LIES... You promised us false dreams – You have killed us'. The banners reflect growing disillusionment with owners David Gold and David Sullivan, who took over the club in 2010.
At the time, Gold and Sullivan outlined a seven-year plan to qualify for the Champions League and transform West Ham into a major club, while eyeing a move to the Olympic Stadium. A decade on, the club has not seen Champions League football and languishes in the relegation zone, relying on manager David Moyes – previously deemed not good enough – to stave off relegation.
Despite spending £214 million on players over the past four years, the investment has been criticised as wasteful. Fans have also questioned why the owners have taken £18.6 million in interest payments on a £45 million loan, and why the 18th richest club in the world does not own its own ground, with little evidence of a claimed £22 million infrastructure spend.
Vice-chairman Karren Brady has also come under fire. Her pay package rose from £898,000 to £1.136 million in the last financial year, while club losses jumped to £28.2 million. Fan group West Ham United For Change accused her of focusing more on her personal brand than the club, noting her slick website and Ronaldo-esque logo.
The move to the London Stadium in 2016 has been a particular source of discontent, described as a soulless bowl lacking the atmosphere of Upton Park. The club plans to add extra rows of seats behind the goals next season, but cynics doubt they will be filled. The disconnect between players and fans has deepened, with the stadium's layout leaving supporters feeling remote from the action.
