David Sullivan has responded to the former Hammers chairman.
West Ham United co-chairman David Sullivan has issued a defensive response to former chairman Eggert Magnusson’s claims about the London Stadium, speaking to the club’s official website.
Magnusson told the Sun this week that he felt the Hammers owners have made a complete mess of the move to the Olympic Stadium and called the venue completely unfit to host football.
His comments have gained some traction in the context of both the team’s struggle to adapt to their new home on the pitch, and the club’s battle with crowd trouble and other stadium-related issues off the pitch.
However, Sullivan has now taken to the club’s official website to respond to the Icelander, blasting the former chairman for his comments.
Sullivan wrote: “I was disappointed to read some irresponsible and, quite frankly, incorrect comments made by Eggert Magnusson in one of the Sunday newspapers. Mr Magnusson has not, to my knowledge, visited London Stadium.
“London Stadium has been converted to a UEFA Category 4 football stadium – the highest possible category of stadia deemed capable of hosting a Champions League final by UEFA – and is a venue which has been used for Premier League football, and played host to the Rugby World Cup and concert performances including one of the world’s biggest bands.
“The atmosphere at the opening game through to the Chelsea game has been incredible and you have to have been there to experience it. We appreciate that the stadium is not yet perfect, but we have solved many of the initial issues we faced and are working closely with our fellow stakeholders to find solutions to those which remain outstanding.”
Magnusson was in charge at West Ham in November 2006 and his 10-month spell in control saw Alan Pardew sacked, the club only avoid relegation on the final day of the 2006-07 season despite the signings of Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano, and the club rack up a significant debt.
Sullivan has not forgotten this ill-fated year, and made a withering reference to Magnusson’s reign whilst denouncing the former chairman’s views.
The current co-owner continued: “We would therefore politely suggest Mr Magnusson’s views on the stadium carry as much credibility as his short-lived but hugely flawed tenure as chairman of West Ham United.
“With the support of our fantastic and loyal supporters, the vast majority of whom are benefiting from the cheaper, affordable tickets we are able to provide at our bigger, better equipped, more modern and superbly situated home. I, my fellow board members and stakeholders are confident that we will iron out the remaining issues over time.”
Sullivan’s response may be wry, but he needs to follow through on his promise to solve all the remaining off-field issues surrounding the stadium if he is to quiet the dissenters.
His club also need to continue to show some revival in their home form. After a tough start to life in their new home, the Hammers are now unbeaten in their last four in front of their own fans, including a 2-1 EFL Cup win over London rivals Chelsea last month.
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