West Ham Olympic deal will cost taxpayers millions
West Ham will be officially named as the main tenant of London's Olympic stadium in a deal which will cost taxpayers millions of pounds.
London to bid for 2022 Commonwealth Games
ITV News London can exclusively reveal new details about the Olympic Stadium's future
Phil Bayles' blog
In his 1970's heyday, top players like Martin Peters earned up to £15,000 a year. Today many earn that in a week.
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Hammers' Vice-Chairman is pleased with poll
– Karren Brady, West Ham United Vice-Chairman"I would like to thank each and every supporter that took the time to have their say on what is an historic and monumental decision for the Club. We must now engage further with the fans who've requested more information but it is fantastic to know that the consensus among our supporters is that they are behind the move.
"Now we know we have their support to advance this incredible project, we can look forward to the busy, but exciting,three years ahead working together to ensure that this world-class arena exceeds their expectations."
West Ham say 85% of supporters want Olympic Stadium move
West Ham have said a poll of 12,000 of their fans found that 85% were in favour of the club moving to the Olympic Stadium from Upton Park. Another 10% said they would consider supporting it but wanted more information. The poll was carried out by SMG YouGov.
The poll found the majority of fans thought the move would help boost the club and provide more funds to improve the team. Others said the Olympic Stadium would provide a better experience for the fans. 48% of fans said they would attend more of the club's games if West Ham played in Stratford.
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Allardyce: West Ham denied a "famous victory"
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce says his side were denied a "famous victory" over Manchester United after Robin van Persie scored a late equaliser from an offside position.
The Hammers had twice taken the lead in the game courtesy of goals from Ricardo Vaz Te and Mohamed Diame.
Antonio Valencia had once levelled for United before van Persie's goal 17 minutes from time.
The Dutchman reacted quickest to the loose ball after Shinji Kagawa's effort hit the post but he appeared offside, although assistant referee Harry Lennard failed to raise his flag.
That decision left Allardyce deflated:
"I think it is a big decision that has possibly taken the famous victory away from us," he said.
"To play as well as we did today and score the types of goals we scored - when you see it is an offside goal that is bitterly disappointing."
Allardyce: Fair Play rules could blow Carroll deal
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce says new Financial Fair Play rules in the Premier League next season could "blow the whole deal" for signing Andy Carroll.
The regulations limit how much of new television income can be spent on wage and there could even be points deducted for severe breaches of the guidelines.
Three deny Olympic stadium plot
Three men have pleaded not guilty to an alleged fraud plot linked to a failed bid to take over the Olympic Stadium.
Richard Forrest, 31, Lee Stewart, 39, and Howard Hill, 58, all denied charges of conspiring to commit fraud by false representation at London's Southwark Crown Court.
The allegations date back to the original bidding war to see who would move in to the Olympic Stadium after the London 2012 Games. Tottenham Hotspur, Leyton Orient and West Ham all made bids.
The investigation was prompted by claims from West Ham United and the Olympic Park Legacy Company that Tottenham had spied on Olympic officials during its stadium bid. Tottenham denied the claims.
The original process which saw West Ham and Newham Council named as the preferred bidder to use the stadium in Stratford, east London, was collapsed in October 2011. A new bidding process was undertaken and West Ham have now been confirmed as the anchor tenants of the venue.
West Ham unveil Olympic Stadium plans
West Ham United has issued more architectural drawings to show some of the new features of the Olympic Stadium post-conversion. The first set of drawings (above and below) show how the modern seating will make sure the stadium provides good views for football matches.
An automated system using drive motors will move all four sides of the lower bowl forward to bring the seats nearer to the pitch, ensuring that the running track cannot be seen when the stadium is being used for football.
The designs will ensure that the seating distances will compare favourably with the Emirates and Wembley stadiums and the best stadia around the globe. The seats will be 10m nearer to the goal line than the Stade De France in Paris, which has a similar system.
The image below is a detailed graphic showing the gravity stressed design of the roof that enables it, at 84m, to become the largest spanning tensile roof in the world.
The last image is a more technical drawing that shows how the seating in the lower bowl will work to bring fans nearer the pitch.
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The Olympic Park opens its doors
The Olympic stadium was the heart of the 2012 Games. But many sports fans never got the chance to go inside.
As of this weekend, that's all changed - the Park has opened to the public for the first time. Phil Bayles reports
Proposed Olympic Stadium plans
West Ham's new stadium plans propose an innovative gravity stressed design of the roof that enables it, at 84m, to become the largest spanning tensile roof in the world. It will also cover all the seats in the stadium and lock that world-renowned atmosphere in.
West Ham's Olympic Stadium plans
West Ham United have unveiled their plans for the Olympic Stadium.
An automated system using drive motors will move all four sides of the lower bowl forward to bring the seats closer to the pitch, thus ensuring that the running track will not be visible when the stadium is in football mode.
Stadium deal: key facts
- West Ham to play first matches in 2016
- Club has signed up for a 99 year concession.
- Transformation works will include a new roof, toilets, corporate areas and retractable seating.
- West Ham will contribute £15 million, Newham Council will invest £40 million and the Government has agreed to provide additional support of up to £25 million should it be required once the tenders are returned.
- Stadium capacity of at least 54,000 seats will see West Ham amongst the top five attended clubs in the Premier League.
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