24 Mar 2010West Ham United confirm Olympic Stadium plans

Football Clubs News | Football Technology and Stadia

West Ham United and Newham Council have revealed plans to submit a joint bid for the Olympic Stadium in east London.

The Hammers are keen to occupy the ground once the 2012 Games have finished and the Olympic Park Legacy Company (OPLC) opened an eight-week period for parties to register their interest yesterday (March 23rd).

According to a statement from the club, working alongside the local council will ensure the stadium is used for both football and athletics in the future.

Olympics minister Tessa Jowell and Lord Coe, chairman of the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games, have insisted that the venue should continue to stage athletics events after 2012.

"We acknowledge the need for the stadium to host world-class athletics and so it should. But it can accommodate football too - and a whole lot more," said West Ham United vice-chairman Karren Brady.

The OPLC is expected to make a decision on the future use of the stadium by March next year.

Meanwhile, Leyton Orient are expected to oppose the English Premier League club's bid, the Times reports.

The League One side are based nearby and were also previously mooted as future residents of the stadium.

Written by Terry Mitchell

Join the FFC and Have Your Say on Football

© Copyright