Joe Kiddle gives you his top tips for Saturday’s non-televised Premiership action…
West Ham United have been selected as the preferred club to move into the Olympic Stadium in east London after the 2012 Games.
Olympic Park Legacy Company (OPLC) executives chose the club’s bid over a rival proposal from fellow Premier League outfit Tottenham Hotspur.
Baroness Ford, head of the OPLC, said: “We have made a unanimous recommendation to back West Ham and the borough of Newham as the long term tenant.
“This represents the very best legacy for the stadium.
“It is cracking for the communities of east London and a really good outcome for sport.”
Mayor of London Boris Johnson wrote on Twitter: “Significant step forward today for the Olympic Park. Long-term future looking good.”
Ken Livingstone, Mr Johnson’s rival in the 2012 mayoral election, said: “This is the right decision for Londoners, the right decision for sports fans and athletes and the right decision for those who are working to deliver a long-term Olympic legacy for the capital.
“Today’s decision will ensure we fulfil promises that the capital will retain a world class athletics stadium at the Olympic Park which will inspire future generations.”
The decision must now be ratified by the OPLC board, two government departments and the mayor of London, at a meeting expected to take place next week.
Tottenham’s rival bid was based on ripping up the track and rebuilding a football stadium on the site, while refurbishing the existing Crystal Palace athletics stadium.
West Ham have said it will spend £95 million converting the stadium for football, including the addition of a permanent roof and facilities including hospitality, toilets and concessions.
Joe Kiddle gives you his top tips for Saturday’s non-televised Premiership action…
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