West Ham Joint-Chairmen Issue Statement Following Fan Protests at London Stadium

​West Ham joint-chairmen David Gold and David Sullivan have released a statement defending their tenure at the club, following fan protests before the Hammers' game against Everton on Saturday. 

Organised by supporters' groups Hammers United, the protestors said they were unhappy that promises made during the club's controversial move to the London Stadium had not been kept.

FBL-ENG-PR-WEST HAM-EVERTON

A statement by the group read: "Many fans have sacrificed a great deal of what they hold dear about West Ham.


"This sacrifice was made on the understanding that more, a lot more, would be forthcoming than just the survival of the club," it continued, as reported by the BBC.

Despite significant investment in the playing squad, the Hammers currently sit 16th in the Premier League, just a few points clear of the relegation places. West Ham's disappointing form cost Manuel Pellegrini his job last month, with the Chilean being replaced by David Moyes - who is certainly not universally popular figure amongst the east Londoners' fanbase.

West Ham United v Everton FC - Premier League

In the wake of the protests, Gold and Sullivan issued a press release on the ​club's website in defence of their ten years at the club.

"It is ten years this weekend since we achieved the long-held dream of taking ownership of West Ham United, both as lifelong supporters of this magnificent football club," the statement began.


"A lot has happened in that time. Some of it good, some of it not so good. But there is one thing that remains exactly the same as the day we walked into Upton Park...and that is our determination and desire to bring success to this football club."

David Sullivan,David Gold

Gold and Sullivan went on to admit that they made mistakes during their tenure but insisted that the club was now moving in the right direction.


​"Overall, we believe the club is in a far better position than it was ten years ago. Not everyone will agree with all of our decisions and we have some regrets, including the appointments of some managers, but we feel we have the right one now in David Moyes, and we are confident he will do well for us," the pair insisted.


"What we truly believe is that we now have the platform to be successful in the long-term. We’ve spent £210.4m net on the playing squad since moving to London Stadium - only the move has allowed us to do that."


For more from Matt O'Connor-Simpson, follow him on Twitter!


Source : 90min