Barack The Hammer Invited To Boleyn Ground

Dean Nicholas
By Dean Nicholas Last edited 184 months ago
Barack The Hammer Invited To Boleyn Ground
0711_obama.jpg

While the world rejoices in the victory of Barack Obama, West Ham United have a particular reason to feel proud. As we reported back in March, the President-elect is something of a Hammers fan: during 200, while visiting relatives in Britain, he attended a game at Upton Park. Since then, he's tried to watch Premier League games whenever his schedule allows.

With Obama's election win, the east London side have extended an invitation for the Democratic victor to come and watch a game on his next visit to Blighty. Said the club's director, Mike Lee:

"We are very proud of what Barack Obama has achieved and respect what he has done. We plan to send him a letter of congratulations and invite him to come to game at Upton Park the next time he is in London"

Given that Obama will inherit arguably the toughest suite of global problems since the Thirties, combined with his daunting security requirements, it's unlikely the new President will be able to take up the club's gracious offer. For West Ham's part, though, the association with the world's current darling is an unexpected benefit during stormy times: the Hammers are beset by financial problems, and current owner and chairman Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson is considering a sale.

Getting the rub from the leader of a nation not known for its love of soccer might be just what the Hammers need for a Stateside cash injection.

Image by Simon-K via the Londonist Flickrstream

Last Updated 07 November 2008