By Duncan Mackay
June 1 – West Ham United today ruled out sharing the Olympic Stadium with Leyton Orient, claiming that they are the only club in East London capable of filling the arena on a regular basis.
Orient chairman Barry Hearn had revealed earlier this week that he was to approach West Ham owners David Gold and David Sullivan to discuss the idea, despite having earlier claimed the Stadium “is not fit for football”.
But the newly-promoted Premier League club have warned Hearn that they will not welcome an approach from him.
“West Ham United has not held talks with Leyton Orient in respect of ground sharing and nor is it our intention to do so,” they said in a statement.
Hearn has waged a bitter campaign against the move, claiming that it would put the existence of the League One club in jeopardy and threatening legal action against West Ham to stop it.
“We do not wish to comment on recent statements made by Barry Hearn not least because we can’t keep up with his ever-changing position,” West Ham said.
“They continue, however, to provide us with a constant source of amusement.”
West Ham remain the clear favourites to be given the 99-year lease on the 60,000-capacity Stadium, although the London Legacy Development Corporation (LDDC) – formerly the Olympic Park Legacy Company – who are responsibile for finding a tennant for the Stadium, have now extended the deadline and will not make an announcement until after the Games in September.
“West Ham United continues to adhere to the Stadium competition rules, particularly in respect of the confidentiality surrounding the process,” West Ham said in their statement.
“Our requirements, made clear from the outset, are for a Stadium fit for world-class football that maintains the athletics legacy and would ensure a truly multi-purpose globally-renowned Stadium.
“Our message to our supporters remains consistent.
“We will deliver a world-class football arena that feels like home to our fans.
“If our bid is successful we believe it will offer the best opportunity to take the club to the next level.
“We are the only football option able to fill the Stadium to capacity on a regular basis.
“Our recent Wembley playoff final win, which secured our promotion back to the Premier League, saw a level of demand from our supporters that could have sold out Wembley Stadium to West Ham fans alone.
“The noise and atmosphere created by our fans on 19 May gave a mouthwatering taste of what the Olympic Stadium could offer to supporters week in, week out.
“We also bring the opportunity for the regeneration of the Olympic Park – people, prosperity, opportunity, exposure, economy and expertise from our very first match in 2014.
“This provides far wider benefits for the local community and the nation as a whole.”
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