West Ham United supporters have made their frustration clear, marching outside the London Stadium ahead of their Premier League match against Crystal Palace on Saturday.
Thousands of fans, led by the group Hammers United, called for the resignation of club owner David Sullivan, 76, and vice-chair Karren Brady, 56, citing fears that the club is “going to die” under their leadership.
With West Ham sitting in 19th place and teetering in the relegation zone, emotions among the fanbase have reached boiling point.
Supporters blame a prolonged period of underachievement since the club left Upton Park, their historic Boleyn Ground, in 2016, despite ambitious promises from Sullivan about winning a domestic treble.
Defeat to Palace Intensifies Fan Discontent
The Premier League contest ended in a 2-1 defeat for the Hammers, compounding a poor start to the season under manager Graham Potter.
It marked West Ham’s fifth loss in six games across all competitions, with the result sparking chants of “Sack the board” from frustrated supporters.
Fans also targeted Potter directly, chanting “You’re getting sacked in the morning” throughout the match.
While Potter maintains he still has the backing of the board, it’s understood the club may feel pressured to make a change unless results improve dramatically in the coming weeks.
Former managers Slaven Bilic and Nuno Espirito Santo are reportedly being considered as potential replacements.
Ampika Pickston Defends Sullivan on Social Media
While Sullivan remained silent, his fiancée Ampika Pickston, known for her appearance on Real Housewives of Cheshire, took to social media with a fiery defense.
She emphasized that Sullivan has invested heavily in players and management and warned fans to “be careful of what you wish for,” pointing to past examples of mismanaged clubs.
Pickston’s post highlighted her belief that Sullivan genuinely cares about the club and added a hint that change could be on the horizon:
“I see your point of view, watch this space as things will change. Don’t lose faith.”
Protesters Cite Long-Term Mismanagement and Decline
Fans carried banners with messages such as “Sold our soul: 15 years of destroying West Ham United” and “Long live the Boleyn,” reflecting their anger at what they perceive as years of mismanagement.
Some signs even referenced former co-owner David Gold, who passed away in January 2023, showing that frustrations have deep roots.
Hammers United criticized the leadership for the club’s slow decline and warned that without change, the fanbase could continue to erode.
They urged supporters to fight for the future of West Ham and demanded professional management capable of restoring the club’s former stature.
Fan Action and Upcoming Matches
The protest coincides with just two weeks after the fans’ advisory board issued a formal vote of no confidence in the club’s leadership.
Hammers United has also called for a boycott of the upcoming match against Brentford on October 20, signaling ongoing unrest among the supporters.
With the Premier League season only just underway, the coming weeks could prove pivotal for both West Ham’s league survival and the future of its current board and managerial team.