West Ham United fans have declared open dissent against the club’s hierarchy after the Fan Advisory Board (FAB) issued a letter of no confidence in the board. The statement, representing more than 25,000 Hammers supporters, accuses the executives of “sustained failure” on and off the pitch — from an ageing, uncompetitive squad to an inadequate scouting network and the widely criticised London Stadium.
The letter, revealed this week, comes just two years after the club’s Conference League triumph under David Moyes. But the FAB argues West Ham have regressed since the £105m sale of Declan Rice, pointing to financial concerns, poor recruitment, and declining matchday experiences. Supporters are now preparing a major protest ahead of the Brentford clash.
Why Fans Are Furious
The FAB’s strongly worded statement highlights several grievances that supporters believe underline years of mismanagement. They point to the £105m sale of Declan Rice and the subsequent claims of financial distress, a contradiction they feel shows how poorly the club has been run. They also argue that despite assurances there were no PSR concerns in the most recent accounts, the board failed to strengthen the squad in any meaningful way.
On the pitch, the team has been left with an ageing, uncompetitive squad, supported by what fans describe as an inadequate scouting structure and a training base that has been widely derided. Off the pitch, commercial revenues remain far below clubs of a similar stature, with Brighton, Brentford and Crystal Palace regularly outperforming West Ham both financially and competitively.
“Supporters find themselves casting envious glances at Bournemouth, Brighton, Brentford and Crystal Palace, all of whom outperform West Ham United both on and off the pitch.” — Fan Advisory Board letter
London Stadium in the Spotlight
Since leaving Upton Park in 2016, West Ham’s move to the London Stadium has been sold as a step toward elite status. Fans argue the opposite.
The FAB referenced a supporter survey of more than 9,000 fans, backed by the FSA, which branded the ground “the most criticised in the country.” Away supporters often mock the stadium experience, while home fans continue to resent its lack of atmosphere.
West Ham 2024/25 Key Numbers
| Category | Stat |
|---|---|
| Conference League Win | 2023 |
| Declan Rice Transfer Fee | £105m |
| Premier League Finish 2024/25 | 12th |
| Survey Respondents (FSA) | 9,000+ |
source: FSA & club data – 2 September 2025
The data paints a picture of stagnation — European glory followed by domestic decline and off-pitch frustrations.
Analyst Verdict — John William
The no-confidence letter reflects years of frustration boiling over. West Ham’s leadership promised the London Stadium would catapult the club into Europe’s elite, but results and revenues lag behind rivals of far smaller stature. The contrast with Brighton and Brentford — efficient, modernised clubs — is damning.
Unless the board modernises its structures, invests strategically, and improves fan experience, discontent will only intensify. For a club of West Ham’s size and heritage, being labelled an “analogue club in a digital world” is both accurate and alarming.
Key Insights
- West Ham fans file formal letter of no confidence in board.
- FAB represents 25,000+ Hammers supporters.
- Criticism over ageing squad, weak scouting, and training facilities.
- London Stadium survey shows it as the most criticised ground in England.
- Fans preparing protests ahead of Brentford match.
What’s Next for West Ham?
The protests planned before the Brentford fixture could mark a turning point. Supporters are calling for wholesale changes, demanding full-time executives with football and commercial expertise — and no further interference from the current board.
The big question is whether ownership will respond with reforms or double down. With the fanbase mobilised, discontent with stadium issues, and the team sliding down the table, the pressure on West Ham’s hierarchy is intensifying fast.
Will West Ham’s board act on fan anger — or risk a complete breakdown of trust with supporters?
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