Hammers get Live Nation backing

West Ham United has received a boost in its bid for the 2012 Olympic Stadium after receiving backing from entertainment company Live Nation.

The live events company, who are partners with the like of Madonna, U2 and Jay-Z, confirmed their support in a letter from chief operating officer Paul Latham to West Ham vice-chairman Karren Brady.

In his letter to West Ham, Paul Latham said: "Further to our recent meetings and discussions, I am writing to confirm Live Nation's support for the West Ham/Newham Council bid to take over the Olympic Stadium after the 2012 Games.

"We regard the Olympic Stadium as an exciting project which would be a superb venue for hosting major concerts and other events. We would be happy to continue working with you to ensure that we bring major concerts and other events to the stadium on an annual basis."

Karren Brady said: "This fantastic support from Live Nation will take our legacy ambitions to another level. Over the past eight months ourselves and Newham have been talking to the biggest and best global names to ensure we can make the Olympic Stadium dream a reality.