West Ham will "bring in a raft of measures designed to tackle crowd problems" at its new London Stadium this week, according to Martyn Ziegler of the LONDON TIMES. The club will "increase segregation distances for rival supporters" and move hundreds of its own fans to different seats after "pleas for relocation." Meanwhile, stadium operator LS185 has "agreed to use new security firms to provide trained stewards after complaints that many of those who have been employed this season were inexperienced at football grounds." There were "violent scenes" at West Ham’s last home game, the 4-2 defeat by Watford, as home supporters "clashed both with away fans and each other during the game." The measures will take effect before Wednesday’s visit of Accrington Stanley in the EFL Cup, and Southampton’s arrival in the Premier League on Sunday (LONDON TIMES, 9/20).
'NOT A FOOTBALL GROUND': In London, Jonny Singer reported former West Ham player Billy Bonds said that the London Stadium "isn't a football ground" and "lacks atmosphere" but has urged the club's fans to "get used to it." Bonds, who played for the club for 20 years before managing it after he retired, "has been critical" of the new home. Bonds: "I went to the Bournemouth game and I was sat behind the media. It just seemed miles away from the pitch and you couldn't get the atmosphere up there. Personally speaking, I don't think it's a football ground. ... And it doesn't matter that it's not a football ground because we're going to be there for a long, long time. It's still our home." He added, "But I don't think it's a football ground. It seems strange. ... It's like an island out in the middle" (DAILY MAIL, 9/20).
'NO GOING BACK': Also in London, Sam Long reported West Ham Manager Slaven Bilic's side has "made a poor start to the season." But there is "no going back" as Upton Park -- the club's former home of 112 years -- is in the "process of being blown into smithereens." The ground is being used as the set for a Hollywood action movie which has been likened to "Die Hard in a soccer stadium." The plot line to "Final Score" involves a football stadium being seized by a group of armed criminals "demanding a ransom in order to release their hostages" (EVENING STANDARD, 9/20).
