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Jimmy Walker reacts on Twitter to pictures of Upton Park being torn down

Upton Park gate - West Ham (Reuters)
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Former West Ham United cult hero Jimmy Walker has reacted on Twitter to pictures that have emerged of Upton Park being torn down.

West Ham's Winston Reid celebrates scoring their third goalWest Ham’s Winston Reid celebrates scoring the last ever goal at Upton Park

West Ham United could not have wished for a better send-off for their beloved Boleyn Ground.

The Hammers brought the curtain down on 112 years of history at their beloved Upton Park with a thrilling 3-2 victory over Manchester United in May.

It was a fitting send off for the famous old ground as the East Londoners moved on to their controversial new 60,000 seater Olympic Stadium home during the summer.

A woeful start to the season and life at their new 60,000 Olympic Stadium home has left morale on the pitch and in the stands at a new low.

West Ham and Chelsea fans clash after the matchWest Ham and Chelsea fans clash at the London Stadium

Fighting among fans and safety fears at the ground as well as a perceived lack of the famous intimidating Hammers atmosphere from Upton Park has seen the stadium switch cited by many as a reason for the club’s contrast in fortunes compared to their fantastic campaign last term.

The club finds itself at the centre of a new negative story each week with the spotlight firmly fixed over East London following the move into such an iconic ground.

Some supporters are struggling to take to the newly named London Stadium and are hankering for their old ground.

Upton Park gate - West HamUpton Park

So when pictures emerged online of the old Chicken Run being torn down as the stadium is dismantled it made difficult viewing for those connected to the club.

And it had a big impact on former fans’ favourite goalkeeper Jimmy Walker – something of a cult hero at the club – who responded to the pictures on Twitter.

“I feel physically sick,” Walker stated in his post.

West Ham's Olympic Stadium v DomizaleWest Ham’s Olympic Stadium

Nothing will ever replace Upton Park.

But discontent among the lifeblood of the club over their new home cannot be allowed to fester for too long, especially if the board want to continue filling the ground in the medium to long term.

There is no turning back now so West Ham simply have to make it work.