Alan Shearer told Match of the Day’s Top 10 Podcast that West Ham’s London Stadium feels ’empty even when it’s full’ when making a damning verdict comparing it to Upton Park.
In 2016, West Ham left their home of 112 years to start life at the London Stadium, which for the most part, hasn’t gone well.
The Match of the Day pundits were discussing the top 10 worst places to go in English football.
And this is what Lineker and Shearer, who both played at Upton Park, had to say about the now-demolished ground and West Ham’s new home.
“If there is ever a contrast between what a ground was like for atmosphere and what a ground is like now for atmosphere,” said Lineker. “It’s different.
“The only ground I can think of nowadays in this country where the pitch is miles from the stand and that’s where it loses that atmosphere. It’s a beautiful stadium but it’s not the same as Upton Park, which was really atmospheric.”
Shearer added: “You mentioned the Den, about it being close, tight, them abusing you, shouting and spitting. West Ham’s Upton Park was similar to that, wasn’t it?
“In terms of going to that to where they are now at the London Stadium. It’s chalk and cheese. It’s nothing like it. You are miles away from the stadium and having been there a couple of times, working with TV, it feels empty even when it’s full.”
David Moyes and his West Ham players are papering over the cracks in East London because, without them, the fans would be calling for new ownership – and in truth, they probably still are whilst riding this Champions League wave.
The relationship between those who run the club and the supporters may never be repaired and some of it does stem down from moving from the Boleyn to an Athletic Stadium.
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