FAB Statement about the Club’s Response to questions
23rd December 2025
This statement is intended to update fans on the current situation following the FAB issuing a Vote of No Confidence in the Club’s leadership on behalf of all of our members and those we represent. We are very aware there is a growing demand for a progress report, and of course that all of us are increasingly concerned at the clubs immediate prospects with relegation now a very real danger.
As the members of the various supporter groups and the wider West Ham fanbase will be aware it’s now four months since the FAB announced a Vote of No Confidence ( VONC) in the Club’s leadership. This was swiftly followed by a specifically prepared set of questions at the Club’s request designed to help them provide suitable answers around the Club’s governance, plans and ambitions, and general environment.
As you will see from the detailed analysis in the attached document, bar good progress on the Culture & Heritage issue, the Club has failed to provide adequate responses to any other questions.
When the FAB declared the VONC, we expressed concerns around the forthcoming season, we were told we were overreacting to initial results, and the Club issued a 1300 word statement revelling in what they saw as success, and promising a bright future led by Graham Potter. Two weeks later that self-indulgent nonsense was rendered totally irrelevant.
We are now approaching the new year mired in a relegation battle, on our fourth manager in 18 months, and seeing leaks from the usual sources that the forthcoming accounts will show a £100m loss.
The common view is one of a Club currently in crisis, mired in the relegation spots, a revolving door destination for managers and about to confirm a disastrous set of financial results. We are less than three years on from a European triumph, three years of UEFA cash, the Declan Rice transfer money, and of course shortly before that the massive Kretinsky derived capital injection. This is not a good position for our Club to find itself in. We believe in facing the facts and understanding what can be done to improve things for all supporters and custodians alike. Comparisons with the 2003 “ sleepwalk to relegation” are becoming far too frequent for comfort.
There is a growing sense of frustration at the clubs apparent inability or refusal to answer what are very basic questions. As an illustration of the complacency rife among the Club executives is their announcement their 2025/2030 business plan will be launched in November 2026, with 40% of the relevant period already behind them, a scenario that would see heads roll in any competent organisation.
We have written directly to Baroness Karren Brady strongly expressing our concerns and frustration, and very much hope the Club will answer questions, take positive actions, and most importantly recruit a new leadership team capable of propelling our Club towards that realistic “ best of the rest” status more in tune with the Club’s revenue, and huge loyal fan base. To be overtaken by two newly promoted Clubs, plus a number of other organically far smaller outfits is a direct reflection of the leadership. Replacing a visit from Manchester United with their namesakes from Oxford is not the vision we were sold, it’s not good enough, not acceptable and we request immediate positive answers and actions, placating words are long past their sell by date.”
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West Ham United FAB Statement about the Club’s Response to questions raised in September 2025
The supporter representatives on the Fan Advisory Board have reviewed West Ham United’s answers to the questions raised in September 2025. While some areas show movement, too many of the Club’s responses remain unclear, delayed, or incomplete, and several issues have been pushed months—if not years—into the future. The FAB warned the Club that the situation on and off the field was incredibly disappointing and that warning has proved to be accurate.
Governance of the Club remains unresolved. The Club confirmed Baroness Brady is full-time CEO but provided no clarity whatsoever on who is responsible for player recruitment or how governance will evolve. Supporters still do not know who is accountable for football decisions. Does the Club know? We have major concerns as to the potential distraction of external interests that may have a detrimental effect on the day to day running of the Club at the most important time in the Club’s recent history.
Financial transparency is still pending. A private briefing is promised before February 2026, but no firm date has been supplied. We have requested this date is confirmed. With the shift from PSR to Squad Cost Ratio and relegation risk a live concern, supporters expect a credible plan, not vague assurances.
Matchday experience improvements lack substance. A safe-standing study starts in January, but we have no sight of the brief, no timeline, and no commitment to actual change. The long-promised WSL match at London Stadium also remains unconfirmed. We have requested sight of the briefing document and the timeline.
Heritage is the one area with real progress. Timelines for a heritage roadshow, online museum, and physical museum are now in place. We welcome this and expect delivery. We have encouraged the Club to communicate their plans and progress to the supporter base.
The Club’s strategic vision is still missing. West Ham do not plan to share its full 2025–2030 plan until November 2026—almost halfway through the period it supposedly covers. This is unacceptable for a Premier League club.
Fan engagement reforms remain slow and vague. Promises have been made for March 2026, but supporters still lack a clear framework as of now.
Ticketing concerns continue. The Club offered explanations for Brentford pricing but did not address the wider issue: repeated £15 ticket offers, as seen for the Aston Villa home match, devalue Season Tickets and damage trust. The FAB wrote to the Club recently to support the FSA and 115 supporters’ groups across the Premier League call for a two-year price halt on matchday and season tickets. We await actual answers to our actual questions.
Overall, too many answers fall short of the clear, timely information supporters deserve. The FAB has requested a full meeting in January 2026 and will continue to require transparency, accountability, and meaningful progress on behalf of all West Ham United supporters.