West Ham United vice-chairman Karren Brady has made a pledge to supporters over proposals at the Olympic Stadium.
Fighting among supporters marred early matches at the ground as did safety fears for away fans over segregation and insufficient policing and stewarding.
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.
But the club’s biggest problems are off the pitch where the stadium issues have driven a wedge between factions of supporters and the club’s owners.
West Ham have no trouble filling the Olympic Stadium, now known as the London Stadium
A number of issues continue to irk the Hammers faithful, 52,000 of whom signed up for season tickets at the Olympic Stadium this season – second to only Manchester United.
Due to the ugly scenes which marred many of the early matches at the stadium, particularly Watford and Chelsea, West Ham were forced to cap their 60,000 capacity to just 57,000 by Newham Council’s Safety Advisory Group.
That has meant only 2,000 or less tickets were available to non-season ticket holders after away fans’ allocation was taken into account this season.
Karren Brady
The club wants to operate a 66,000 capacity from next season but has been desperate to get it back up to 60,000 for the current campaign.
Brady revealed last week that talks with the SAG went well and hopes the capacity will be raised to 60,000 in the very near future – possibly before the next home game against Manchester City on February 1st.
And now she has taken to Twitter to lift the lid on the club’s plans for those extra seats when the time comes.
“When we get license to use the 60k capacity, half of the additional tickets will be allocated as season tickets and go to first 1.5k on waiting list,” Brady posted on Twitter.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
