West Ham United Head Coach Graham Potter surprised members of the Claret and Blue Army by unexpectedly attending the Atlanta Ironworks’ fan party at the city’s BrewDog bar.
Approximately 150 passionate supporters, representing a range of Official Supporters’ Clubs, joined together to share stories and get the atmosphere pumping on the eve of the Hammers’ third and final Premier League Summer Series clash against AFC Bournemouth at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
As everyone gathered round to kick-off proceedings, Potter’s introduction sparked wild celebrations, and he proceeded to engage in an insightful Q&A session before taking the time to meet everyone in attendance and pose for plenty of photographs!
Next up, former Irons Anton Ferdinand and Jack Collison took to the stage, with the duo discussing their memories of representing the Club and sharing their thoughts on the upcoming season, while Collison also talked about his time working and living in Atlanta.
Each fan of legal age was gifted a free drink by the event’s hosts BrewDog, who were announced as the Club’s Official Beer Partner in May, and there were plenty of renditions of Bubbles before the evening came to a close.
“It’s been a brilliant evening,” said Nick Lemmond, Atlanta Ironworks Chairperson. “A lot more people showed up than I had anticipated, the environment was buzzing, and I think we all had a brilliant time.
“The manager being here just goes to show that West Ham is a family. To have the gaffer at a pub here in Atlanta, the night before a match, was just incredible.
“And Anton and Jack, as well. The stories they shared were awesome, and I think all of us fans just love listening to people we love talk about the Club we love.
“I was born and raised in Atlanta, and to have the team here in my city is just unreal. West Ham really is massive - people have come to support the team from so many different places, and none of us will ever forget this.”
Cartter Crosland, Chairperson of the Chattanooga Irons in Tennessee, added: “We travelled from about two hours away, so not too far, but we couldn’t miss out on coming here tonight.
“It was a brilliant occasion, and way more of a personal experience than I thought it was going to be. Getting to actually spend time and have conversations with Graham Potter, Anton Ferdinand and Jack Collison was unbelievable, and I loved hearing about their experiences here in the USA.
“West Ham will always be special to me and my family. Me and my fiancée actually got engaged at the Olympic Park, outside London Stadium, so I’ll always have such a special bond with the Club. Come on You Irons!”
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