Keith Wyness, the former CEO of Everton, believes that any new owner of West Ham United will need to commit to a significant overhaul of the London Stadium. The stadium, which was built for the 2012 London Olympics and later redeveloped for football, has been criticized for its configuration and lack of atmosphere.
Wyness, who now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs, estimates that the project could cost between £500-600 million. He believes that any new owner will need to invest heavily in the stadium to make it a more suitable venue for football.
The Need for Architectural Changes
Wyness insists that more can be done architecturally to make the London Stadium a better experience for football fans. He believes that the stadium’s design, which was originally intended for athletics, can be modified to create a more intimate and atmospheric experience for spectators.
The Cost of Renovations
Wyness estimates that the cost of renovating the London Stadium could be as high as £600 million. This is a significant investment, but one that Wyness believes is necessary to make the stadium a more suitable venue for football.
The Future of West Ham United
Wyness’ comments come at a time when West Ham United is reportedly up for sale. The club’s current owners, including Daniel Kretinsky, David Sullivan, and the Gold Family, have been looking to sell the club, and Wyness believes that any new owner will need to invest heavily in the stadium to make it a more suitable venue for football.
Conclusion
The London Stadium, home of West Ham United, is in need of a significant overhaul. Keith Wyness, the former CEO of Everton, believes that any new owner of the club will need to invest heavily in the stadium to make it a more suitable venue for football. The estimated cost of renovations is between £500-600 million, a significant investment that Wyness believes is necessary to make the stadium a more intimate and atmospheric experience for spectators.