From the Boardroom - David Gold

Gold
I was thrilled to attend the record-breaking Family Fun Day at London Stadium on Wednesday and to see so many fans turn out to watch the first-team train.

I know that Slaven and the players enjoyed the opportunity to meet some of the Club's younger fans and the whole day was a big success for everyone involved.

Personally, I always enjoy the chance to meet the Junior Hammers and we mustn’t forget the importance of the next generation of West Ham United supporters - they are the future of our great football club.

We have put on events like this in the past in a much smaller way at the training round or the Boleyn Ground, but we can accommodate a lot more fans at London Stadium. There were nearly 10,000 fans here this week - more than half of them youngsters and it was so good to see.

We were all disappointed to only come away with a point during the game against West Brom last weekend.

We all thought Manuel Lanzini's impressive late strike had secured the victory, but unfortunately we failed to hold on and had to settle for a draw.

The team are now back to their best and you can see the emotion that Slaven had for the team on Saturday.

He is a winner and that is why we love him. That is why the fans love him and long may it continue.

I am confident about the final few months of the season. We had unbelievable injuries at the start of the season but we are through that now as we climb the table.

We made two fantastic signings in the January transfer window who both have tremendous pedigree and we are thrilled with the outcome.

Jose Fonte is a seasoned professional and Robert Snodgrass is also a fantastic player. The fans have warmed to him straight away and we could not ask for anymore.

The spirit in the camp is fantastic at the moment. I go to the training ground and have not seen camaraderie like it in the 20-years I have been in football.

Gold
On Thursday, I had the privilege of attending a very special event to honour West Ham’s legendary manager Charlie Paynter, who served the Club for over 50 years and was in charge from 1932-1950.

Newham Council unveiled an English Heritage Blue Plaque at Charlie’s former home in Ladysmith Avenue, East Ham, and I had the pleasure of meeting many members of the Paynter family.

Charlie Paynter is a true West Ham United legend and we must not underestimate the part he played in building and strengthening West Ham United at that time, through two world wars and as manager of the Club for 18 years.

More than being a manager, though, he really did build things. He built the strategy and the ethos of the football club that continues to this day.

And as 14-year-old, I had the good fortune to meet him when I played for West Ham Boys against Portsmouth Boys at Upton Park. He came into the dressing-room and shook everyone’s hand, which was fantastic at the time and a wonderful memory to have now.

I know we now have Mark Noble as our Mr West Ham, but Charlie Paynter was the original Mr West Ham.

It is fitting recognition for a man who did more than anyone to establish West Ham United as one of the greatest football clubs in England.

I'm sure he would also be very proud, and very excited, about the direction that our Club is heading in now.