German football is famed, perhaps above all else, for its commitment to ‘fan culture’. If only West Ham United had placed such importance upon their own supporters when swapping the beloved Boleyn Ground for the ‘bowl without a soul’ that is the London Stadium.
Callum Marshall has only played one game for VFL Bochum. The Northern Ireland international moved to Germany on loan earlier in the January transfer window.
And it’s fair to say the early signs are good.
Marshall has made an ‘exceptional’ first impression on former Leeds, Brentford and Wigan coach Uwe Rosler. He marked his 2.Bundesliga debut with a late goal in Sunday’s thrilling 3-3 draw with Darmstadt.
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The roar which greeted his 82nd minute equaliser – celebrating in front of a sea of white and blue flags, soundtracked by a guttural roar from a fanbase situated as close to the pitch as they could possibly get – was certainly a welcome change from the echoing boos of the London Stadium.
Callum Marshall reveals what the London Stadium is like to play in for West Ham United
Young Callum Marshall was likened to Harry Kane by Steve Keen, West Ham’s lead professional development phase coach speaking to The Standard in October.
The instincts and the positioning he showcased to level the score against Darmstadt were certainly the mark of a more seasoned goalscorer.
And speaking to Revier Sport a few days later, Marshall was careful not to pour scorn on a stadium which has come to epitomise the bitter disconnect between a highly-unpopular board and a fanbase who feel they have been booted out of their natural habitat.
From the admittedly ramshackle home comforts of Upton Park to an athletics arena which – due to the massive distance between the pitch and the stands – would maybe benefit from installing those little binoculars you see at the opera.
Bochum is not necessarily ‘better’ in terms of atmosphere, Marshall says, although he is probably on the money. Just, ahem, a little ‘different’.
“Only true fans, those who love their club, come to this stadium,” Marshall says after sampling his first experience at the 27,000-seater Vonovia Ruhrstadion.
“The Olympic Stadium in London, where West Ham plays, is much bigger and more spacious with its running track. There’s a different atmosphere there.
“In Bochum, the stadium is compact, so you can really make some noise. And the fans do that fantastically well.”
Vladimir Coufal reflects on European nights with the Hammers
In an interview with talkSPORT this week, long-serving former right-back Vladimir Coufal opened up himself on the stadium issue. While he arrived too late to see Upton Park with his own eyes, Coufal was part of enough famous European nights to suggest that the London Stadium can still be a fitting stage for the odd joyous occasion.
“I’m not sure if it is not possible to create the atmosphere in the London Stadium,” Coufal reflects. “Because, for example, when we played Sevilla on a European night, or when we played Leverkusen, the stadium was rocking.
“The stadium was bouncing, you know? And I think people were really enjoying the atmosphere.
It’s difficult. I don’t know exactly what the fans were promised [regarding a new stadium] and what they got. But I think the stadium is nice. Alright, it’s big. Obviously, it’s not a typical English stadium. For them, it is not a Upton Park, which I understand.”
Marshall has settled nicely in Germany as he eyes Bundesliga charge
Back to Marshall, Bochum coach and Manchester City icon Rosler hopes the West Ham loanee can be the spark behind a play-off charge. His new team are in eleventh place, but only seven points off the top six.
“Uwe showed me that he really wanted me on his team. As a professional, you always want to play, but that’s even more true for a loan player. The coach made it clear that he would support me. That was crucial for me to come to Bochum,” says Marshall, who departs as Keiber Lamadrid joins Greg Lincoln’s Under-21 roster in East London.
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“They told me very specifically where they see me in the team, how they plan to use me, and how I can help. They also told me about the great atmosphere in the stadium and the club. That impressed me.
“In Bochum, there are many young players who also get playing time. That was important for me.
“Of course, I was a little apprehensive about the foreign language and culture. But I’ve settled in well here and I feel very comfortable. I hope it continues like this.”
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