Keith Milton

President and Chairman of Hook & Southborough CC, amateur cricketer and West Ham fan.

[Henry Winter @henrywinter]

Karren Brady delivered for West Ham United’s shareholders but not for the club’s supporters. In 2013, she promised fans “a world-class stadium with a world-class team”. West Ham currently have neither. They have an athletics arena with a team fighting relegation. Brady has done some good things in her 16 years at West Ham, during which they won a European trophy, but ultimately she will be remembered for letting the fans down. Her departure from West Ham, first reported by the Times and now confirmed by the club, is being celebrated by many fans. Sadly, some cross the line with their offensive comments about Brady.

Supporters are quizzical about West Ham joint-chair Daniel Kretinsky’s statement about Brady leaving. “Her contribution to West Ham United’s growth, such as the long-term contract for the London Stadium, shareholders transition and the British record transfer of Declan Rice, has been absolutely essential and not always fully appreciated.” Much to unpick here...

1) how much growth? West Ham reported a £104.2m loss in their most recent financial figures. A club record. Revenue down. Accounts show a substantial loan taken out from Rights and Media Funding Limited.

2) London Stadium. Great deal for board and for Brady but not for fans, manager or the team. Not for anyone who loves football. Crowd distant from the pitch, players detached from energy of the fans, it's a terrible place to watch football. They’ve gone from a much-loved, intimate, often intimidating family home at Upton Park to a soulless bowl. West Ham had to leave Upton Park to expand commercially, and meet ticket demand, but grabbing the Olympic Stadium was all about the deal and not the feel.

3) British transfer record. Yes, Brady got a good deal for Rice but Kretinsky should know that mention of selling your best player, your captain, your home-grown star and England international at a club that cherishes them, seems a strange way of suggesting achievement and ambition.

4) “not always fully appreciated”? not always fully sensible to have a dig at fans. Maybe appreciate their concerns.

Brady deserves some praise. She’s a pioneer, got things done, drove community initiatives (I hosted an event for her once and her knowledge of the issues and engagement were impressive). She also encouraged entrepreneurship (and not just on TV). Kretinsky, in his statement, adds that Brady is “also very highly appreciated in the Premier League leadership community and was an excellent representative of our club there”.

Many West Ham fans didn’t feel she represented them well enough. Ill-advised comments in 2016 about a desire “to rebrand the club” didn’t go down well. Brady tried to clarify the comments but fans remained concerned about anything that could change their heritage. An attempt to limit ticket concessions triggered further anger.

More widely, Brady’s criticism of the incoming Independent Football Regulator came against a backdrop of fans’ growing distrust of some owners and the leagues’ inability to police them properly. Read the room. Understand the concerns.

The growing disconnect between West Ham fans and Brady and chairman David Sullivan has led to protests against the pair. Brady has now left. Will Sullivan follow? “1-0 up,” came the message from a high-profile West Ham fan. “It’s half-time.” #WHUFC

[Keith Milton @KeithMilton14]

@WestHam #mysteryhammer Matthew Upson

[Keith Milton @KeithMilton14]

@TravelGraeme @WestHamHelp FFS

[SurreySeniorCricket @Surrey50Cricket]

@Surrey50Cricket Tour party at @MenorcaCC in October.

@SurreyCricketFd @surreycricket
@AJSportsUK

[The 50+ 2nd XI County Championship @Over50s_2ndXI]

Congratulations to Sussex on winning the 2025 50+ 2nd XI Plate Competition

[The 50+ 2nd XI County Championship @Over50s_2ndXI]

The 50+ 2nd XI County Championship Plate Final between Sussex and Buckinghamshire at Slough CC is about to start. Sussex win the toss and Bowl. Match reduced to 40 overs per side.

[SurreySeniorCricket @Surrey50Cricket]

https://t.co/qbMDBhgsIl

[SurreySeniorCricket @Surrey50Cricket]

https://t.co/vKAGm90BHR

[Keith Milton @KeithMilton14]

@CanningTownLen He looks good when on two feet, but it's embarrassing the amount of rolling about for no reason.

[Canning Town Len @CanningTownLen]

It’s Matchday at London Stadium, but Sully is in no mood to incentivise the regulars…
https://t.co/fn2xho9lzN

[Keith Milton @KeithMilton14]

2nd consecutive game at the London Stadium with no real ale available in the West Stand. What is this all about? @DelawareNorthUK @WestHamHelp @WestHam @westhamfootball @MooreTJAPodcast

[Canning Town Len @CanningTownLen]

Forget Back Friday, the REAL bargains are at West Ham v Arsenal this weekend...
https://t.co/fn2xho8NKf

[SurreySeniorCricket @Surrey50Cricket]

Congratulations to Surrey 60+ 3rd XI on winning the National Final v Essex at @ValleyendCc today.

[SurreySeniorCricket @Surrey50Cricket]

Surrey 60+ 3rd XI have qualified for the National 3rd XI Championship Final to be played at @ValleyendCc on Tuesday 10th September and will play Essex.

[The 50+ 2nd XI County Championship @Over50s_2ndXI]

The Finals of the 2024 competition will take place at @ValleyendCc on Wednesday 11th September.

The Championship Final will be between @Essex_Over_50s and Somerset and the Plate Final will be be between @NottsO50s and Oxfordshire.

[West Ham Football @westhamfootball]

West Ham petition against concession policy changes is now at 14,807! Let's get it to 15,000 tonight! remember to acknowledge the email afterwards for it to count https://t.co/0wMyGPKK3i

[Keith Milton @KeithMilton14]

When the sun is shining 🌞 but there is no cricket 🏏 because your opposition cried off at the last minute. 😭

[Hook & Southborough @hooksouthboro]

Our opposition for this Sunday (14th July) have just dropped out. We are now looking for a medium weak opposition. We have a ground in North Surrey and teas available. Please DM if interested.
@TheFixtureMan @SurreyCountyLge @SurreyCricketFd @CFixturelist

[Hook & Southborough @hooksouthboro]

We are looking for an away fixture for our 2nd XI on Saturday 15th June. We will be a weak team and would like to find suitable opposition in the Surrey area.
@SurreyCountyLge @SurreyCricketFd @TheFixtureMan @CFixturelist