West Ham laugh off Leyton Orient ground-share idea

01 June 2012 14:17

West Ham have rejected a suggestion from Leyton Orient chairman Barry Hearn to consider ground-sharing at the Olympic Stadium.

Hearn has been a fierce critic of West Ham's bid to become stadium tenants after the Olympics but said recently he would consider a ground-share arrangement for his League One club. The Hammers insist there have been no talks about such a possibility - nor will there be.

"West Ham United has not held talks with Leyton Orient in respect of ground-sharing and nor is it our intention to do so," a club statement said.

"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.

"They continue, however, to provide us with a constant source of amusement."

The Hammers said the demand from fans for tickets for the recent Championship play-off final at Wembley showed the Olympic Stadium will not be too big for their supporter base.

The statement added: "We are the only football option able to fill the stadium to capacity on a regular basis.

"Our recent Wembley play-off 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 May 19 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."

Source: PA