By Duncan Mackay
British Sports Internet Writer of the Year

August 19 - West Ham United vice-chairman Karren Brady today claimed that if the Olympic Stadium becomes their new ground after the London 2012 Games then it would guarantee the legacy of the whole surrounding area.



The Premier League club have emerged as the front-runners to move into the Stadium after the Olympics.

They are ranked ahead of American entertainment giant AEG, who are also expected to launch a formal bid after the Olympic Park Legacy Company yesterday officially opened the process to find a long-term tenant for the Stadium.

Brady said: "We are incredibly excited to have reached this point in the process.

"The club has invested time and money to make sure the Olympic Stadium is the right choice for us and we are certain this is the case.

"Put simply, we believe we would be the best anchor tenant for the Olympic Stadium and it would also provide the best chance for West Ham United to grow and evolve in a way that fits with our proud traditions and history."

As well as providing a new home for West Ham and a potential 2018 FIFA World Cup finals venue, the joint bid in conjunction with Newham Council’s also includes plans for a national institute for sports science and sports medicine, along with a visitor centre for tourists and sports museum.

Brady (pictured) said: "We would not only incorporate Premier League football but are talking to athletics, cricket, rugby and other sporting institutions.

"It would be a true home for British excellence and provide the long-lasting conditions to create elite sportsmen and women of the future.

"The real danger is if the stadiums and the facilities don't get used.

"From our point of view we are really interested in giving usage not only to the Olympic Stadium but the whole Park so that it has a future beyond the Olympic Games.

"We offer a natural and logical solution."

Newham Mayor Sir Robin Wales, a long-time Hammers supporter, said: "We see West Ham United moving to the Olympic Stadium as the key to unlocking a proper legacy tied into Premiership football with flexible community use that will benefit residents and the wider area.

"West Ham United is a massive part of East End life and deserves the chance to be the best and beat the best.

"We have always argued the Olympic Stadium needs a top-flight football team and that has to be the Hammers."

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