In 2010 the then new West Ham board made a 10 point pledge
The 4 year anniversary of their take over passed a few weeks ago and I thought it would be ideal time to review how their 10 point pledge is progressing and give my personal verdict.
The original 10 point pledge on WHUFC.com can be found HERE
1. Appoint the right manager
Our efforts are focused on recruiting a high-calibre manager with the necessary experience to deliver good football and, most importantly, results. A shortlist of candidates has been identified and the appointment will be made with enough time to prepare for pre-season.
VERDICT: FAIL Maybe he was the right manager for the championship and he did well getting 10th place last season but most fans would agree he is not the right manager for this season. 68% of fans think he is not the right manager in the recent WHTID poll.
2. Sign new players
For too long, the focus has been on players leaving rather than arriving. We will strengthen in the right areas to ensure an exciting and balanced squad that is well placed to cope with the rigours of a Premier League season. Our main aim will be to bring in players hungry to do well who share our ambitions and aspirations.
VERDICT: UNDECIDED It could be argued our squad are neither exciting or balanced and they are struggling to cope with the rigours of a Premier League this season.
3. More investment in the Academy
Tony Carr remains at the heart of the club and his work in developing future first-team players remains essential for the long-term success of this club. We will make sure homegrown talent nurtured in the ‘West Ham way’ will always be given the chance to complement established players brought in from elsewhere.
VERDICT: FAIL Disappointing that few home grown talent have progressed to play in the first team with the brief exception of Danny Potts.
4. Continue to clear the debt
We have a responsibility to ensure this club is never again placed in a perilous position. Great strides have been taken to get us on a sound financial footing but there is still a way to go. Difficult decisions have had to be made – and that will continue to be the case – but our bottom line on the bottom line is to ensure the club survives.
VERDICT: UNDECIDED After a good start debts has risen again last season and the relegation season added more debt.
5. Freeze season ticket prices for renewals
We are delighted we have been able to freeze season ticket prices, save for the VAT increase, but we will not stop there. We are looking at more ways of rewarding those fans who make such a long-term commitment and have excellent offers for younger supporters, who are the lifeblood of this club. Member benefits will also improve.
VERDICT: UNDECIDED Although the season ticket freeze happened and the 5 year discount was honoured the price increase for disabled fans has left a sour taste in the mouth,
6. Build the status and image of the club
Our standing at home and abroad is rightly built on our proud history and our commitment to young talent. The values of the Academy of Football developed since the days of Bobby Moore define what we are all about. With the world’s spotlight set to shine on this part of London, the time is right to spread the word further.
VERDICT: UNDECIDED Marketing own goals and the desperate sales tactics of selling tickets on groupon, the Metro and Talksport have weakened our brand and image.
7. Make it enjoyable to come and watch
We want to bring the fun back. It is a serious business but we know you work hard all week and want to kick back at the weekend and enjoy yourselves. We want you to be excited on a matchday, and not just about the style of football. We are looking at ways to improve our pre-match and half-time entertainment and will welcome suggestions.
VERDICT: EPIC FAIL Do I really need to say any-more here? I can’t remember the last time I had fun at a West Ham match!
8. Get closer to the community
This club does excellent work in the local area already but we want to move even closer to schools and businesses on our doorstep. We can extend our commitment to multi-sports, education and healthy living and show there is more to this club than just first-team football. We take our social responsibility very seriously.
VERDICT: SUCCESS The Community Sports trust do a good job with the community. I know the community ticket offer for Man City was a PR disaster but I believe the club works well with the community in general.
9. Go for the Olympic Stadium
Leaving the Boleyn Ground will be a wrench but the Olympic Stadium is an amazing once-in-a-lifetime opportunity in a financial and football sense. Our potential partnership with Newham Council promises to take this club to a new level, while protecting our history and traditions. To move forward, we have to move – but always with an eye on the past.
VERDICT: SUCCESS Some may not agree with moving to the Olympic Stadium but few could argue they delivered this pledge.
10. Listen to supporters
Arguably the most important of all is our commitment to listen to what you have to say. We know we are just the custodians of this club. You who follow us every week, whether near or far, are the true owners. Whether talking to you online or in print, or face to face at fan forums, we will be open, transparent and available.
VERDICT: UNDECIDED The success of Supporter Advisory Board success which I it on is very debatable, the recent Season Ticket Fans Forum was stage managed.
I would agree the chairman are available but question whether the club is transparent at all times.
My score report card is 2/10 Please try harder!
I would interested to know other people’s verdicts on the 10 pledges of 2010 as these verdicts are just my personal opinion.