Will Catholic links be broken when West Ham United moves to the Olympic stadium?

There is growing anticipation at West Ham United about its move to the Olympic stadium next August. Among the fans there is excitement tinged with sadness about leaving the ground that has been their home for more than a century.

Memories of the great players who have graced the sacred turf, from World Cup winners Bobby Moore, Martin Peters and Geoff Hurst through the likes of Sir Trevor Brooking and Billy Bonds to the stars of today like Dimitri Payet and Mark Noble.

Less well known is the strong Catholic presence that permeates the Boleyn ground - some ask whether that link will be broken when the club moves onto its new home.

The very land on which the ground itself was built back in 1904 belonged to the Westminster Diocese up until 1959, when the freehold was sold to the club for £33,750. Situated right in front of the stadium is Our Lady of Compassion Church, whose previous parish priest Denis Hall was a season ticket holder. The stories of Father Hall's escapades in getting to games have become legendary, such as the time when prior to kick off the announcer said: "Will Father Hall return to St Margaret's where the bride and groom are waiting."

Back in 1980, when West Ham won the FA Cup, Father Hall painted the priests house in Canning Town claret and blue in tribute. On another occasion, when he was late for a match, a group of police officers helped him get into the ground with the aid of a ladder. It seemed somehow fitting that Father Hall's final parish was Our Lady of Compassion - he died last April. Father Hall was replaced last September as parish priest by Father Neil Brett.

But the commitment of the Church locally continues to burn bright. Former Vicar General of Brentwood Diocese John Armitage has been a fervent Hammers fan all of his life. Some of the players over the years have attended Mass at Our Lady of Compassion.

Another Catholic presence on the stadium site is St Edwards Catholic Primary school, which now occupies a virtually new building courtesy of West Ham.
In 2000, when the club was completing the building of new stands at the stadium, a new school was built to replace the old St Edwards. There has always been a strong connection with the football club, with players visiting the school. Back in the days of the legendary Bobby Moore, the England skipper regularly visited the school to talk to pupils.

All of these links look likely to weaken when the club move to the Olympic Stadium, with the old Boleyn ground due to be demolished and replaced with houses and apartments.

The Catholic presence though is strong within the club itself, with chief executive Karren Brady, a fervent Catholic. Also on the staff is Sophie Bradley, who prior to moving into the press operation at West Ham was head of media at CAFOD. Irish international Joey O'Brien is another practicing Catholic. So the Catholic flame continues to burn bright.

There are mixed feelings among fans about the move to the new stadium but whatever happens it is difficult to see the Catholic legacy that surrounds the Boleyn (a hint of irony there) ground being replicated. Though the many Catholic supporters together with everyone else will no doubt follow their heroes to the Olympic stadium.

Paul Donovan is an award winning journalist based in London. Read his blog here: www.paulfdonovan.blogspot.co.uk/