Introduction

This blog has a simple aim, that of promoting the return of football to its supporters. Doubtless thousands wish it could happen but are sceptical that it ever will. Quite a lot give the impression that they actually enjoy belonging to the oppressed.

No, I don't think I am a complete nutter. I am encouraged by the example of FC Barcelona and by a belief that even the most intractable of problems can be solved by breaking it down into its constituent parts and taking it stage by stage. In fact, the situation in this country is not uniformly depressing. But let's leave that for later.

At this point, you might like to learn a little of my background. The first professional football match I attended was the West Ham (6) v Arsenal (0) FA cup-tie (1st leg) on 5 January 1946. Although Arsenal won the second leg 1-0, West Ham went on to the next round in which they lost 1-2 to Chelsea.

At school, I can particularly remember the influence of a new PE teacher who, I later learned, had some professional experience with Manchester City. Before the first match of the season, he gave each team-member a card with a slogan for them to remember and apply. Mine was HALF BACKS NEVER RELAX! Even in the modern game, the equivalent still applies.

The same teacher, when listening once to the excuses of the sick, couldn't resist the crack "Got catarrh, boy? Then step inside the gym and give us a toon!"

Later at university, the difference between the aspiring professional footballer and the rest of us was made clear to me when I had the job of marking George Scanlan in an inter-college game. Never got near him!

George, who played for Pegasus from 1954-60, later found fame when, making use of his fluent French and Russian (and of course English), he was involved with the books "Cantona: My Story" and "Kanchelskis".

Since moving to the London area in 1978, I have watched West Hame home and away on numerous occasions. In 1992, I bought two B Hammers Bonds in the West Upper Stand and, in 2003 at the time of Whistle v T. Brown, 100 shares in West Hame United plc. Sadly, in my opinion, this movement towards supporter control of the club could not be maintained, leading to the problems and uncertainties afflicting West Ham and many other clubs today.

I have watched most of the first team home games for the last 17 years as well as the Youth Team on many occasions. Fortunately, the Academy continues to produce quality players, even if the Club has not been able to retain them for long once they make the senior team.

Thank you for reading this far. If you would like to express your opinions, they would be appreciated. Finally, and unfortunately necessary, if you are one of the sad few who are unable or unwilling to make your points politely, please go and inflict them on someone else.

Next time

A little bit of social history leading to today's problems.