WEST HAM’S

fans believe the identity of their club has been sold. Many do not like the new surroundings, the redesigned badge or the corporate ambitions. They resent the breaks with tradition, whether with old pre- match stamping grounds, or tilts at humble domestic trophies like the FA Cup. Bearing all this in mind, whoever decided to release a shirt for next season that abandons the blue sleeves the team have worn for all but nine seasons since 1900 is very brave. And what do they have on Sir Trevor Brooking that he has to front up every lousy decision? Are they holding a member of his family hostage in a back room?