Source: PA
Gold proud as Hammers get Olympic nod
West Ham's new home at the Olympic Stadium will be a "great place for sport and most importantly for the community", club co-owner David Gold has pledged.
Gold said he was "overwhelmed" by the Olympic Park Legacy Company's decision to make the Hammers their official preferred bidder to become tenants of the £537million venue after the London 2012 Games.
Gold said the club would work hard to maintain the heritage of the Hammers at their new home. Replicas of the World Cup winners statue may be made and talks still need to be held about whether the John Lyall gates are moved from Upton Park.
He said: "Keeping the heritage of West Ham will be a challenge but it is doable. The thing that we have here but do not have at West Ham is space. I am not exactly sure what will happen, we still have to think about the details and maybe a replica of the statue could be made to come here (to the stadium). The one thing I can guarantee is that we will keep the heritage of the football club."
Gold added: "It is overwhelming and I feel huge pride. It is a great honour because it is such an iconic stadium.
"This is going become world renowned. I just feel really proud and I am having to pinch myself. I cannot really believe that I am standing here."
