Former West Ham defender Anton Ferdinand has opened up on his mental health struggles as he gets set to join Marlon Harewood at the next Pre-Match Event.
The Hammers Academy graduate, who appeared in a documentary series for the BBC in 2020, titled ‘Football, Racism & Me’, has opened up on his struggles and has highlighted the importance for people to now being able to talk more openly.
Anton feels that the series 3 years ago, which he admits took a lot a courage to do – has since helped him be more open about the subject of mental health, and to not be afraid to open up to others.
“I had to talk,” says the former Irons centre-back, as reported by the Daily Mirror. “I was forced to lay myself bare and it’s the best thing I’ve ever done.
“I talk openly about my own mental health struggles now. I was that person who was ignorant towards it before.”
The West Ham Way are delighted to announce that Anton, who will also be joined alongside former striker Marlon Harewood, will be the very special guests at The West Ham Way Pre-Match Event ahead of the Nottingham Forest game this Sunday at the Colour Factory – our new venue which is a 5 min walk from the London Stadium.
We are delighted to announce that we have another couple of returning heroes as our next guests. We have brought back a big character and superb finisher in Marlon Harewood. He was a very popular player and scorer of 47 goals including a match winner in the FA Cup Semi Final in 2006 and the winner that sparked Wenger and Pardew’s pitch side fight against Arsenal. He played a crucial role in our promotion in 2005 and our run to the FA Cup final in 2006 as well as suffering playoff final heartbreak against Crystal Palace in 2004. Marlon also started his career with our opposition today, Nottingham Forest.
Alongside him we have his former team mate Anton Ferdinand. The former Centre Back and academy starlet played 163 times for the club scoring 5 goals including a spectacular one at home to Fulham. Anton played in our Playoff Final win and the following season’s FA Cup Final, missing the final spot kick. Anton was a fans favourite and always speaks highly of his time at the club that saw him and his big brother represent us so well and really connect with the fans. We cannot wait to hear the stories that Anton has to tell including some of the things that happened to him in his later career.
Same format! – BIGGER & BETTER value & venue
🎉 Exciting News for West Ham Fans!
We’re thrilled to announce that we’ve found the perfect new home for our legendary pre-match events – right next to the London Stadium! Say hello to The Colour Factory, conveniently located next door to Hackney Wick station. This is where the magic happens, and we can’t wait to welcome you all.
Here’s what you can expect at our new venue:
🍻Affordable Drinks: We’ve got great news for your wallet! Enjoy your favorite brews, including Lager, for just £5 per pint. We believe in keeping your thirst quenched without breaking the bank.
🎉 Spectacular Production: Brace yourself for an amazing production and stage show featuring ex-players and club legends. These West Ham icons will bring you closer to the heart and soul of our beloved team.
🍔 Delicious Dining: Hungry before the match? No problem! We’ve got tasty food options available right on-site, including a delectable vegan choice for those with a more plant-based palate.
💺 Ample Seating: Worried about finding a comfortable spot to relax? Don’t be! We’ve got plenty of seating in both our general admission and VIP areas. Whether you prefer mingling with fellow fans or lounging in a more exclusive setting, we’ve got you covered.
🍻 Fantastic Atmosphere: Experience the pre-match buzz like never before. The Colour Factory boasts spacious outdoor areas, large bars stocked with an extensive range of beverages, and state-of-the-art screens and sound systems. It’s the ultimate destination for West Ham fans!
🚶 Convenient Location: Just a quick 10-minute walk from the stadium, The Colour Factory is your go-to spot before the big match.
🔴 Legacy Events: We’re proud to continue the tradition of our immensely popular events, which started at the East Ham Working Man’s club and continued at O’Neil’s in Leytonstone.
🤝 Partnership with West Ham Live: We’ve teamed up with West Ham Live, known for their incredible events during the Europa League Semi-Finals and Finals. These events were a roaring success and sold out in no time.
🙌 Exclusive Benefits: We’re extending a warm welcome to all members of the West Ham Supporters Club. Members will enjoy a fantastic £5 discount on their entrance fee, as will our loyal Patreons.
Patreons please leave your names under the patreon post and pay your £10/£35 on the door. Any guests of patreons will need to buy their tickets from this page.
Here’s a sneak peek at our event packages:
💥 Standard Package: £15 entrance fee (£10 for Patreons, Supporters Club members, and children). You’ll have access to a wide range of reasonably priced drinks, engaging Q&A sessions, thrilling raffles and auctions, and a soundtrack of West Ham-themed music and DVDs.
🥂 Inclusive Package: For just £40 (£35 for Supporters Club and Patreons, and £10 for kids), you’ll receive all the standard perks plus your very own VIP room complete with a private bar and restroom. The highlight, of course, is the all-inclusive bar with a selection of beverages to enjoy in an exclusive setting.
🎤 Meet Our Host: The charismatic Martin Allen, aka “Mad Dog,” will be our host. With six years at the club (1989-1995) and 190 appearances with 25 remarkable goals, Martin is the perfect host for these events. His humor and personal touch make our events truly special.
We’re confident that The Colour Factory will be THE spot for all West Ham fans to gather before the match. Whether you’ve attended our previous events or are a first-time guest, we can’t wait to welcome you. Get ready for unforgettable moments, and let’s cheer on our beloved West Ham together! ⚒️🙌 #COYI
LOCATION
The Colour Factory, E9 5EN
