BB editor Dave Blackmore with a previous copy of Blowing Bubbles.
Coming up to the 10 year anniversary of David Gold and David Sullivan becoming co-owners of West Ham, David Gold has revealed which other clubs were an option for the pair to buy.
Before deciding that the East London side was the right choice for them, Gold has told our partners Blowing Bubbles that four other clubs were in the running for their ownership.
Having been involved with Birmingham City the duo were looking around for their next club and the near collapse of West Ham under the Icelandics eventually gave them the perfect opportunity to re-enter the game.
Both were fans of the Irons and Gold in particular had a big early relationship with the club having been raised nearly opposite the old Upton Park.
They had made an earlier bid and had been rejected before their Birmingham days but they were to get lucky second time around.
On departing Birmingham City, Gold said: ‘The plan was for us to take a year off and visit other clubs before deciding our next move. I’d gone to Charlton, Brighton, I had conversations with Simon Jordan at Palace, and also the then chairman of Southampton.
‘At the time, they were all basket cases and then West Ham became an option and that was the worst out of the lot. But the worst was to come when, having done the deal, every cupboard we opened, another skeleton fell out.’
At the time, Charlton, Southampton and Brighton were sitting in League One whilst Crystal Palace were in their fifth season in the Championship.
Gold admits that his decision to opt for West Ham was based on being a lifelong fan.
Read more of David Gold’s in-depth interview with Blowing Bubbles by buying their December issue:
Moyes out….starting it now to avoid it happening in the first place.