Tony Gale: Some West Ham fans are missing the earthiness of Upton Park… you could smell the horse manure even on the pitch INSIDE
Former defender cites example of Arsenal at the Emirates and even admits missing the smell of horse manure at Upton Park
TONY GALE says West Ham must learn from history to make their stadium feel like home.
The former Hammers defender never thought he would miss the smell of manure from police horses outside Upton Park.
And current friction between board and fans reminds Gale of the bond scheme which triggered mutiny in the stands in the 1990s when he played.
Gale, 56, believes West Ham had no option but to move to the London Stadium — but now the club must help its passionate supporters settle in.
He said: “The new ground feels like rented accommodation. There is no supporters club nearby, unlike at Upton Park where it was yards behind the Bobby Moore Stand.
“There’s no colour to this ground at the moment.
“Maybe that’s not down to the board because we don’t own the place. But surely, being the main user, there must be a way of adding a few home comforts?
“Some fans are missing the earthiness of Upton Park — you could smell the horse manure even on the pitch INSIDE the old place.
“There are no stalls selling old programmes, or pubs nearby. I know the corporate day out is a big thing these days but there’s plenty at West Ham who still just want to have a pint in a pub and watch a game of football.
“I don’t envy the board with the problems they have. I must admit I was one of those who wanted to stay at Upton Park. But when the Olympic Stadium was made available they had to take it.
“They did a great job securing it and it can’t be the easiest of jobs catering for 20,000 extra fans every home match.
“Now we are there the work is only just starting. We have to get on with it and make the best of a great structure.
“It has a ‘wow’ factor internally and externally but in my mind it’s not a football stadium. We have to learn from the past. Ten years down the line, the Emirates Stadium still does not feel like Highbury.”
The Hammers have struggled with fans infighting but hope to start ironing out the teething problems in today’s home clash with Southampton.
Gale added: “West Ham seem to be at last addressing the issue of fans who want to stand and those who want to sit. At every Premier League ground fans stand behind the goal. We’re a bit all over the place and it’s causing friction.
“It’s inexcusable for fans to be hitting each other. West Ham fans are quick to let you know if they dislike something.
“If there was trouble for Watford and Bournemouth it sets alarm bells off for Chelsea in the EFL cup next month.
“The potential of the stadium is incredible. But there is a long way before it feels like West Ham’s ground. The club is run by people who genuinely care for it. But the warring has to stop and everyone has to come together.”
Gale knows how West Ham supporters can vent their feelings in deed instead of words.
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Ex-chairman Terry Brown’s 1991 Debenture Scheme tried to sell the idea of supporters paying for the RIGHT to then buy a season ticket.
Pitch invasions and protests followed as thousands of Cockneys felt they were being taken for mugs.
Gale said: “I remember at the height of it a fan jumped out of the terraces and just sat in the centre circle.
“It’s not necessarily a bad thing the fans are more demonstrative.
“The level of passion and feeling is a terrific asset — when channelled properly.”