Barry blasts beastly board

Orient Chairman Barry Hearn has hit back at West Ham's board of Directors after they laughed off his offer to share the rights to the Olympic Stadium.

We reported last month how the League One club's Chairman had mooted the possibility of a ground-share option - despite having spoken out strongly against West Ham moving to Stratford previously.

That offer was treated with derision by West Ham's board who released a statement on 1st June mocking Hearn's offer. "We have not held talks with Leyton Orient in respect of ground sharing and nor is it our intention to do so," it said.

"We do not wish to comment on recent statements made by Barry Hearn not least because we can't keep up with his ever-changing position. They continue, however, to provide us with a constant source of amusement."

Unsurprisingly that response has infuriated Hearn, who has now hit back at the club's owners. "West Ham's statement last week which referred to my 'ever-changing position' is patronising to say the least," he blasted. "A major club moving on to our doorstep would undoubtedly damage us.

"I am glad West Ham think we are providing them with a constant source of amusement. We are a small community club with 130 years of history fighting to stay in business - and they need to understand that we shall continue to challenge any decision that places the future of our football club in doubt."