West Ham news: Q&A – How can London Stadium atmosphere improve?

Our chief football reporter Simon Stone has been answering your questions.

Joe asked: How are the West Ham hierarchy going to tackle the dwindling atmosphere at the London Stadium? To rely on performance on the pitch is not something West Ham can ever rely on!

Simon: Hiya Joe. Thanks for the question. Firstly, I want to put to bed any connection on the atmosphere with the stadium. Those three seasons in Europe proved you can get an excellent atmosphere at the London Stadium. However, when the team is not doing so well, it is flat. But you could say the same about many clubs. The Emirates wasn’t exactly bouncing (or at least the home section wasn’t) when West Ham won there recently. The same is true of Manchester City on plenty of occasions this season. Clubs have tried ‘singing sections’ and I do see the value in that – but I also know the Premier League is changing – and so are the people watching the games. More, it seems to me, home fans start from the premise of wanting to be entertained rather than getting behind their team. It is tricky.

Come back later for part two where Simon will be considering the impact of Evan Ferguson.