West Ham fans and stars unite to support each other during pandemic Rachael Burford UP NEXT West Ham fans and former stars have united to help fellow supporters who have lost their jobs and are struggling from the Covid-19pandemic. More than 6,000 people have joined the Hammers for work and support Facebook page, set up by fans to find jobs or talk about the strain the pandemic has placed on their lives. The group has attracted endorsements from former players Tony Cottee and Carlton Cole, as well as famous fans including author Irvine Welsh, actor Perry Fenwick and TV presenter Ben Shephard. In his video message, Welsh says: “When I first came to London in my teens I was embraced by, not so much a bunch of football supporters, but a real community, people who looked after each other.