Report confirms London Stadium rumours and explains thinking which will please West Ham vice-chairman Karren Brady

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Speculation that West Ham United’s London Stadium will be one of eight grounds used to finish the season has been confirmed by a new report.

Rumours have been circulating that West Ham’s home stadium was on a list of eight to 10 stadiums to be used as ‘neutral venues’ to finish the current campaign.

The Premier League is working on Project Restart to get the remaining matches completed. But that will only be possible behind closed doors and at a set number of neutral venues as dictated by the government and police (The Mirror).

West Ham vice-chairman Karren Brady made it clear in her latest column in The Sun, that she was not a fan of the neutral stadium idea.

Brady unhappy but realistic over neutral grounds

“There are a lot of obstacles to overcome and no doubt many compromises to make,” Brady said in The Sun.

“Phase three will include discussions on the possibility of playing at neutral grounds, which no one wants, but it’s clear that the location of the games when the league recommences will be subject to approval from both the Government and Sports Grounds Safety Authority. They could argue neutral grounds better protect the welfare of all involved and reduce the burden on public services like police and ambulance.”

At the end of last week fellow West Ham website Claret and Hugh – which has close links to Hammers co-owners David Sullivan and David Gold – claimed the London Stadium ‘could be’ one of those neutral venues.

And now a new report from The Daily Mail has confirmed the speculation that the London Stadium is indeed on the list of grounds in the mix.

Report confirms London Stadium rumours, explains thinking

The positioning of West Ham’s stadium – being outside a city centre – is said to be crucial.

“Premier League clubs have reportedly been told that the current plan to use eight to ten stadiums as neutral venues for the completion of this season is an experiment, and all 20 grounds could be used next season,” The Daily Mail reports.

“The concept of neutral grounds has been met by anger by clubs adamant that the removal of home advantage damages the integrity of the remainder of this season.

“As of yet, the ‘neutral grounds’ for the completion of this campaign have not been finalised.  Brighton’s Amex Stadium, West Ham’s London Stadium, the Etihad Stadium, St Mary’s and the King Power Stadium have all been mooted given their specific locations outside of city centres.”

Supposed ‘home advantage’ is something of a moot point given no fans will be attending matches.

But the fact West Ham’s London Stadium is reportedly one of the grounds on the list will no doubt placate Brady somewhat.

One would assume that West Ham would therefore play at least their six remaining scheduled home games at the London Stadium.

More details are expected to emerge later this week. The 20 Premier League clubs will meet again after the government’s latest lockdown decision and the expected announcement about an exit strategy.