While historic Upton Park is being reduced to rubble by demolition workers, just across east London the price of progress seems painfully high to the West Ham fans engaged in a struggle for their club's soul. Just five months ago West Ham waved farewell to Upton Park, their home for 112 years, and headed into a bright and lucrative future in their new and bigger London Stadium. Becoming the main tenants at the former Olympic Stadium had been a gruelling process, but West Ham's hierarchy felt the politicking and legal wrangles would be worthwhile if the increased revenue helped transform their underachieving club into a major force.
