Kieran Maguire: West Ham have just lost ‘absolutely vital’ behind-the-scenes figure
West Ham have just lost an “absolutely vital” behind-the-scenes figure in head of communications Ben Campbell.
That is the view of finance expert Kieran Maguire, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about the latest developments at the London Stadium.
As reported by the Daily Mail on 18 October, Hammers’ media guru Campbell has quit for a similar role at top refereeing body PGMOL.
Campbell was first hired by West Ham in 2017 and promoted to Head of Communications in August 2020.
The schism between the club’s owners and fans has widened during his four years with the club.
Many supporters are unhappy with the perceived mismanagement of the London Stadium move, among other gripes.
And Maguire claims that the importance of Campbell’s role as the go-between for both parties cannot be overstated.
“Good communication is absolutely vital,” he told Football Insider correspondent Adam Williams.
“If you look at clubs where the relationship has turned sour, and West Ham is in that category, trying to get a message across is a challenge.
“Therefore, you need someone who is a professional, experienced hand at delivering that message.
“The last thing you need is somebody firing off inflammatory messages. That only makes the relationship between the fans and the board worse.
“A good head of comms will utilise their skill base to pour oil on troubled waters. I think that is what Ben has tried to do at West Ham.”
In other news, pundit tips West Ham to seal “incredible” Andrea Belotti signing in January for “bargain fee”.