West Ham vice-chairman Karren Brady says the board “takes full responsibility” for the club’s current struggles, in the wake of widespread fan protests at the London Stadium.
Several pitch invasions interrupted West Ham’s 3-0 defeat to Burnley on Saturday, a result which leaves the Hammers just three points outside the Premier League relegation places.
A large group of supporters congregated beneath the directors’ box to protest against co-owners David Gold and David Sullivan and their perceived lack of investment in the years following the club’s move from the Boleyn Ground.
Brady described the defeat to Burnley as “one of the most painful days in the history of the club” and insists the board has accepted blame for the club’s on and off the field problems.
“Let me be frank. The Board takes full responsibility for our predicament,” Brady told The Sun. “Ultimately the table does not lie and just like the team we are judged on our position.
“Every fan has a view on players, manager and team formation but it is our job to put in place a structure that allows our players and team management to secure the necessary results.”
Some sections of the West Ham support have criticised the club’s owners for failing to provide sufficient transfer funds in recent seasons, but Brady insists both the club’s transfer and wage bill is comparable with other Premier League teams.
“Spending on transfers and wages has doubled over past five years. A club-record £80m was spent on players in 2016/17,” she said.
“Our wage bill of £105m compares with top-flight Premier League clubs. Some may argue that the money has not been invested well enough, but it has been invested.”
Brady also defended the decision to move the Hammers away from the Boleyn Ground, the club’s previous home of 112 years, to the London Stadium.
Fans have voiced their disapproval at the stadium layout, particularly the distance between the stands and the pitch, but Brady says the club will work with architects to improve the matchday experience for supporters.
“We know improving the situation at the Club is our responsibility and we intend to go to a wider group of supporters for consultation of what improvements they would like to see at the stadium,” Brady added.
“We will employ top architects to see what improvements can be made to the seating configuration. We are striving to do better.”
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