FAB Meeting Summary about concerns raised by supporters
FAB Meeting Summary: 11/09/2025
Following a letter shared by Supporter Representatives on the Fan Advisory Board issued to Club shareholders, a meeting was held between Club and Supporter Representatives to gather more context and background about the concerns raised by supporters.
Date: Thursday 11th September 5-6pm, Location: Boleyn Meeting Room / Online
Fan Advisory Board representatives:
1. Andy Payne (Hammers United and FAB Co-Chair)
2. Apu Vyas (Inclusive Irons)
3. Austin Gigg (Junior Supporters Board)
4. Barbara Adams (attending on behalf of Hammers Bond Company), online
5. Cathy Bayford (Disabled Supporters Association), online
6. James Brown (Claret Members), online
7. Kevin Hind (West Ham United Supporters Trust)
8. Mike Field (Old School Hammers)
9. Patrick Healy (attending on behalf of Pride of Irons), online
10. Paul Christmas (West Ham Official Supporters Club)
11. Scotty Burkhart (Overseas Supporters Rep), online
Club Representatives:
1. Baroness Karren Brady, Vice-Chair, online
2. Tara Warren, Executive Director, Nominated Board Level Official (NBLO)
3. Catherine Smith, Head of Supporter Services and Fan Engagement
Apologies:
1. Maurice Birnbaum (Away Scheme Members)
· Supporter Representatives shared the background and context which led them drafting and sharing a letter, raising specific areas where they perceived the Club could be better managed. As part of this, direct questions were asked to the Club. Supporter Representatives stated their desire was to ensure the Club is governed in the best interests of its supporters and its future.
· Supporter Representatives raised 7 key themes. These themes were: Leadership and Governance, Financial Strategy and PSR concerns, Commercial and Stadium strategy, Heritage and Culture, Strategic Vision, Fan Relations and Trust and Squad matters.
· Supporter Representatives shared detail on each theme, expanded from the original letter. Supporter Representatives then shared the following key questions on each of the subjects respectively:
o When will the Club move to a professional governance model (which they believe is a CEO + Director of Football with autonomy)?
o What credible financial strategy will enable consistent squad investment, and prevent PSR concerns?
o How will the Club balance revenue generation with fan experience, inclusion and equality?
o Where is our heritage and why has it not been displayed seven years since the written commitment by the board was made?
o What is the five-year vision for West Ham United on and off the pitch?
o What structural changes will ensure genuine, timely and meaningful supporter engagement in future decision-making?
o What is the long-term footballing vision for recruitment, youth development, and European competitiveness?
· Supporter Representatives asked the Club to consider and respond to each question. The Club confirmed the intention for this meeting was to listen to the views of supporters, and would consider everything shared in detail before returning with a response
· Supporter Representatives acknowledged that the last FAB meeting, that took place on the 13th August 2025, was positive, but the poor results on the pitch at the first two games of the season had raised historic concerns which Supporter Representatives felt compelled to raise on behalf of their members. Supporter Representatives stated that they felt the rising feeling of anger and concern within the supporter base was as a result decisions the Club had taken over many years
· Supporter Representatives requested greater insight into the investment West Ham United are making into the Club compared to other Premier League sides – Brighton & Hove Albion was a cited as a positive example of engaging supporters in Club strategy
· The Club thanked Supporter Representatives for setting out their concerns and stressed there was a shared ambition to deliver success on and off the pitch. The Club also highlighted the positive progress made, including the tens of millions invested in the Training Ground in recent years
· Supporter Representatives asked for clarity around how the Club has related to heritage and memorabilia. The Club asked the Supporter Representatives for further views on how they believe this should be displayed and shared the progress made together to date.
· The Club acknowledged frustrations and accepted that recent on-pitch results have fallen below expectations. The Club committed to reviewing the information shared in the meeting to provide a structured response at the next FAB meeting
· Both parties agreed the importance of constructive dialogue and focusing on future progress to benefit supporters. It was agreed the Club and Supporter Representatives would continue working on the plans set in the first FAB meeting
Actions:
· Supporter Representatives to share the document which they presented at the meeting with the Club (Due: September, actioned following the meeting) )
· The Club to review all points raised and prepare a considered response (Due: next FAB meeting)