False rumours spread across the social media today that West Ham United were thinking renaming themselves as West Ham London.
The rumour followed a Supporters Advisory board meeting on Tuesday night where members were updated on the Olympic Stadium, shown a preview of the new Away kit and an idea about a possible crest change among other things. The SAB members were asked to sign a non disclosure agreement to protect commercial sensitive information but some information leaked causing wide speculation online.
West Ham released a statement about the SAB meeting this evening in an attempt to calm the speculation.
“The evening’s agenda focused on how the Club could look at better communicating West Ham United’s values and how best to recognise and celebrate our history as we move to a new iconic home.This included discussions regarding evolving the Club’s crest, an initiative which had been fully endorsed by the SAB at their AGM on the basis that the Club’s current crest has not been updated since 1997.The Club were explicit that whilst it is considering an evolution of the crest in close consultation with supporters, contrary to some recent speculation, it is categorically not looking to change the Club name, which will always remain as West Ham United.The Club also made clear that the Board has no plans to make any changes to the crest without the full support of its fans. A detailed presentation followed that illustrated how various aspects of the Club’s crest have evolved over time. The SAB were shown a wide variety of potential creative routes to evolve the crest.Following a productive discussion, the SAB was asked whether the Club should continue to explore an evolution of the badge with a view to opening up consultation to the wider supporter base. The group have been asked to feedback by the end of the week. It was agreed that a consultation process with the wider supporter base should follow. This will take place within the next two weeks after due consideration of the SAB members’ feedback. whufc.com will provide a further update on the details of the consultation in due course”.
As a member of the SAB myself I am bound by the same Non Disclosure Agreement but I can confirm what the club said is correct and there will be a full consultation with fans to decide whether they want the crest changed.