West Ham United ‘fortress’ wanted at London Stadium, club need to ‘spend some money’
We’re delighted to welcome former West Ham United striker Frank McAvennie as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at the London Stadium…
Frank McAvennie believes West Ham United could spend money on the London Stadium and turn it into a fortress.
The Hammers play their home games at the East London venue, which has been their ground since their move from Upton Park.
McAvennie is happy that the club have managed to achieve European football since the move, but believes there is room for improvement at the stadium.
Speaking to West Ham Zone, McAvennie said: “To be fair to the club, they delivered their promise, you can’t have a go because they have delivered European football, that’s why we moved to the London Stadium.
“I love the European football, but I’d like to see them spend some money, fix the stadium and turn it into a football stadium if they’re going to stay there.
“Because it’s a great atmosphere on European nights, but there is still a big distance between the crowd and the pitch. I don’t like that, but I suppose the players will be getting used to it. But they could make that stadium such a fortress, they really could, and it would be wonderful.”
The Hammers have already been involved in one European night at the London Stadium this season, defeating Serbians Backa Topola 3-1 earlier this month.
That win came in the Europa League group stages, with German outfit Freiburg and Greek side Olympiacos also set to play in East London in the competition this season.
It is a step up from the Europa Conference League, a tournament which David Moyes’s side won last time out, beating Fiorentina in the final.
In other West Ham news, a Sky Sports journalist has mooted an international call-up for one “sensational” Hammers player.