n8rngtd.topSir Geoff Hurst says he would have no issue with leaving the Boleyn Ground if the proposed move to the Olympic Stadium in Stratford went ahead, according to the London Evening Standard.
Hurst, 70, is one of the greatest players to have graced Upton Park scoring 248 goals in 411 appearances, spanning thirteen years for the Hammers.
He believes that change is often a positive thing and feels a potential move to the new stadium would be a step in the right direction for the club, “I have more memories of the place than most but there won’t be much sadness. I firmly believe that things don’t stay the same forever and you have to move on in life.”
Hurst added, “I firmly believe the move would benefit both the club and local area and, if we’re talking about legacy, would ensure the stadium is used consistently well for the next 100 years. West Ham apart, no one could give that sort of guarantee. It would give both the stadium and the local community full support.”
Despite Hurst’s optimistic outlook on West Ham’s proposed move to the Olympic Stadium, some Hammers supporters have met the potential relocation with scepticism, concerned that the new stadium would not have the same compactness and intimidating feel that Upton Park currently encompasses.
Hurst says that he can understand these concerns, “There are so many positives but I can understand some of the fans’ uncertainty about how far they would be away from the action, particularly after the close confines of Upton Park.”
The former striker reckons that if West Ham do win the bid for the new stadium, the club’s owners, David Gold and David Sullivan would take appropriate action to ensure that it would be enjoyable for the Hammers faithful, “I believe the club have plans to bring the supporters closer to the pitch at the new stadium, though, and I am sure that is the case.”
Hurst added, “This is not a two-minute job. This is a long-term plan and involves a long-term relationship. I would hope that this magnificent new stadium will be the home of West Ham United for the next 100 years. Nothing is insurmountable if you have the will to make things better.”
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Hurst, who will be forever endeared by England fans for his hat-trick in the 1966 World Cup Final, says that the move would also see West Ham up there with the Premier League’s elites, “If you want to be a top Premier League club, which is our aim and with our fan base a realistic ambition, then you have to come and encourage more people to come and watch West Ham with improved facilities and better access.”
Sir Geoff believes that after experiencing the London Olympics last month, he is excited by the prospect of West Hams generating a similar electrifying atmosphere, “I was fortunate enough to be invited to the Usain Bolt 100 metres final. I just wish every West Ham supporter could have been there because it was just a fantastic atmosphere which the Hammers fans could strive to emulate because they will play a big part in this, as they always do.”