What were your thoughts on the club’s announcement on concessions?
Meirion Williams: Bit of a halfway house to be honest. Yes those who have concessions can continue to have them, but no change for any new season ticket holders. If it is right that we have lost 29,000 season ticket holders since the move to the London Stadium and more leaving each year, it looks like concession ticket holders in the future will be in that mythical realm of the fabled bond holder.
David Meagher: I think it is great that some folk can continue to benefit from more affordable price options and I think it’s important to keep the stadium as full and happy as possible. Personally, I have been impressed by the delivery of their promise of affordable football by G&S – we travel from Ireland for eight games per season and it’s still very viable to have a season ticket which contrasts with most clubs.
Paul Brand: I honestly still can’t believe football clubs think it’s a good business idea to remove concessions. The amount of revenue it raises is minuscule against the goodwill lost. Like Meirion, I think the correction could go further still but David is also right in recognising that some owners rinse their fans even worse than ours.
Marcus Johns: As the father of a six-year-old child who is really getting into football, this is such a welcome announcement. Least not because his ticket in the Bobby Moore Lower for the Liverpool game in December was £85. However, as Merion has said, we really need to ensure it’s applied to all but it’s a start. For me, the campaign continues. I just can’t imagine how removing them ever passed the good idea stage.
The Return of the Dead Ball Specialist
What have you made of James Ward-Prowse’s performances since his return? Did you expect he’d get as much game time as he has?
MW: It begs the question why did we let him go out on loan in the first place? Once more we have a dead ball threat and I really welcomed his return.
DM: The whole saga has been bizarre. He’s a tremendous asset but found himself unwanted at West ham and Forest. He’s slotted back in seamlessly like the top pro that he is. The lad has a tremendous attitude.
PB: You know what you get with JWP. He reminds me of Noble in that they have their limitations – both have lacked the speed and athleticism to reach the very top – but he’s a tidy midfielder and a great pro.
MJ: It shows his professionalism after having been cast aside, returned with no ego, rolled up his sleeves and got right back into performing for us. His return didn’t invoke any emotions in me at the time, but it’s great to see him back now. Certainly, he’s offering more than Rodriguez has done.
Potter’s System Clicks Against Arsenal
Since our last issue, we lost to Brentford but then secured back-to-back wins against Arsenal and Leicester. What did you make of these performances and results?
MW: Well I got it all wrong, I thought at best four points from those games. I did not expect the Arsenal result and the follow up win against Leicester added to the abject performances of the four bottom placed teams. I wouldn’t be surprised that even on 33 points we are now safe. Let’s be honest though, Arsenal was a revelation but Leicester were so poor but you can only beat the team who is put in front of you. Let’s get the rest of this season over with and plan for next year is my thought.
DM: We struggled against a good Brentford side but seem to have discovered the Potter system against Arsenal and Leicester. The six points are especially important as they remove any relegation worries and Potter can afford to experiment and see what we’ve got in reserve – it’s a joy to see him giving our younger players some game time and contrasts with the conservative approach of J-Lo and Moyes.
PB: I’ll happily take a defeat to Brentford in exchange for ending Arsenal’s title aspirations, again. There are certainly signs that we’re moving in the right direction but I’m expecting a lot more ups and downs in the months ahead.
MJ: It’s more points than I’d forecast (four) but the manner in which they’ve come has been fantastic. As with Paul, had we beaten Brentford but lost to Arsenal, things wouldn’t feel the way they do now. Turning the Woolwich lot over was a statement of intent from Potter, and for me shows the players have truly bought in now.
Tricky Tests Ahead: Everton, Wolves, and Bournemouth
We’ve got Everton, Wolves and Bournemouth coming up, how do you see these games panning out?
MW: I actually think these will be tricky. Bournemouth have been a revelation this year and Everton at Goodison will be difficult as with Moyes now in charge, they have become difficult to beat. Wolves are fighting for their lives but I have a feeling we should be able to take all three points there, so once again I’m going for a four point return from those three games.
DM: We seem to be finding a pattern but my sense is that our defenders will continue to struggle passing the ball out from the back, which Potter demands. I think anything is possible from the three games and we will probably get a win, a draw and lose one but I have no idea which games will deliver those results. I have a deep seated dislike of Everton, so I’d love to see us beat them, and of course the Moyes factor adds to the intrigue.
PB: All those sides, to varying degrees, have improved or been playing well in the past month so all will be more challenging than Leicester. Like the others, I couldn’t predict the results but I’d expect us to pick up a few points and hope to see Potter’s style being imposed.
MJ: All tougher games than they might appear on paper. Everton are really playing for Moyes right now, so will want to help him get one over on us. Wolves are much improved, albeit with Cunha suspended I’d fancy our chances. Bournemouth are on a roll, but if we’ve got four points out of those two, we can go into April with confidence high.
Facing David Moyes Once More
Our trip to Everton saw us meeting David Moyes once more, what have you made of his latest managerial chapter at Everton? What do you think the reaction would’ve been from fans had this game been at home?
MW: I think he would have had a hero’s welcome. Let’s be honest here, we had some good years under Moyes. The problem was that after a while Moyesball got really boring. He has had a great return to Everton and has done what he always does by making them difficult to beat whilst playing unimaginative football.
DM: You’ve got to applaud Moyes’ impact so far – they are a poor side but he’s getting great results. I think only the most mean-spirited Hammers could begrudge him his success.
PB: Exactly what David said.
MJ: Without doubt he gave me the best moment of my West Ham-supporting life and despite us needing to move on, he was brilliant for us.
Be the first to comment