West Ham one of the most exciting ‘projects’ in Europe

The author of the impressive Swiss Ramble blog has provided another of his in depth analyses of football finances, this time of West Ham United.

With the impending move to the Olympic Stadium, he considers that they are currently one of the most impressive ‘projects’ in European football.  He sees parallels with Manchester City’s move to the Etihad, but notes that they are in London in an area that is attracting significant foreign investment.

The author of the impressive Swiss Ramble blog has provided another of his in depth analyses of football finances, this time of West Ham United.

With the impending move to the Olympic Stadium, he considers that they are currently one of the most impressive ‘projects’ in European football.  He sees parallels with Manchester City’s move to the Etihad, but notes that they are in London in an area that is attracting significant foreign investment.

The move to the Olympic Stadium will enable them to boost their match day revenue which at £20m is a fraction of Arsenal and Manchester United.   Sales of corporate seats have been going well.   However, tickets for fans will be reasonably priced.

At 60 per cent the wages to turnover ratio is respectable and certainly a lot better than when the club was in the Championship.  Commercial revenues have been a little disappointing, but shoild increase with the stadium move.

The best paid director earns £646k a year and is believed to be Karren Brady.   Quite a decent salary for the baroness, but arguably well earned given the Olympic Stadium move.   It has been argued that it is a burden on taxpayers, although they would get something back if the club was sold.  How much is not clear.

Struggling clubs like Charlton Athletic, where the fans are in dispute with the parsimonious Belgian owner, can only look enviously across the river.