David Gold believes infamous 10 point pledge is finally starting to come together

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When David Sullivan and David Gold took over West Ham United in 2010 they made a 10 point pledge to supporters.

Now nearly nine years on Hammers chief Gold has claimed it is finally starting to come together.

Sullivan and Gold set out their vision for the Hammers with many of the points applicable to any club.

There was talk of “appointing the right manager” and only signing players “who are hungry to do well”.

In fairness to the oft-criticised duo some of the points of the plan have been realised.

Hamstrung by Champions League talk

The pledge, which has since been removed from West Ham’s official website, was always hamstrung by soundbites from the owners that they were aiming to compete for Champions League football.

It is an ambition the pair have since admitted was not entirely realistic.

There have been times when the East London club have been closer to the Championship than the Champions League in recent seasons.

But riding a fresh wave of enthusiasm off the back of three consecutive wins under the increasingly popular Manuel Pellegrini, Gold told Hammers website Claret & Hugh it is starting to come together just in time.

‘We are feeling vindicated’

“We are five points off Manchester United in sixth place and looking like that big team the manager has talked about,” Gold told Claret & Hugh.

“It’s still early days of course and our feet must remain on the ground but everybody from the board to the fans are happy. We are feeling vindicated that in making the right decisions in the summer we are in this place.

“The fans deserve what’s happening more than any of us. They have been so patient. We as a board had a plan some time back and to see it working as it is right now is great.”

The 10 point pledge in full

Here is the infamous 10 point pledge so you can decide for yourself.

1. Appoint the right manager
2. Sign new players
3. More investment in the Academy
4. Continue to clear the debt
5. Freeze season ticket prices for renewals
6. Build the status and image of the club
7. Make it enjoyable to come and watch
8. Get closer to the community
9. Go for the Olympic Stadium
10. Listen to supporters

In fairness Gold does have a point.

A couple of years ago, it could have been argued the club had thus far failed on half of those.

But at this present moment it could well be argued they are on their way to a clean sweep.

Not that there is any room for complacency of course.