By Kris Gonzo | Senior West Ham Columnist (Follow on X)
Claret & Hugh have been told this morning of ambitious plans from Daniel Kretinsky to build West Ham a new state-of-the-art training facility.
At present, the club own three plots of land, with the main training ground located at Rush Green.
However, as Kretinsky moves towards greater control of the football club, it has emerged that plans for a new training complex have been in development for some time.
Long-Term Plans Already In Place
We understand that discussions regarding a new training facility pre-date the recent events which have seen David Sullivan resign as chairman and Kretinsky strengthen his position at the club.
The Czech billionaire’s increased influence, coupled with support from fellow shareholders on key club matters, has accelerated a process which was already under consideration.
It has also been made clear to Claret & Hugh that these plans were driven by Kretinsky and were not part of the previous regime’s vision for the football club.
A More Modern Approach
We have not been told which of the club’s existing sites would be used, or whether an entirely new location is under consideration.
What is clear, however, is that the intention is to move away from the current fragmented arrangement and create a single major training complex.
That would represent a significant shift in infrastructure and bring West Ham more into line with many of our rivals.
Over the last few days, one message has been repeated consistently by those remaining at the club.
There is a clear desire to distance West Ham from the previous regime and move the football club in a different direction.
And we have been left in little doubt that Kretinsky and his team are fully aware of where the club’s infrastructure has been falling short. Exciting times.
Christ I can only imagine this is what it’s like to be a dog in Battersea.
Years of being mistreated and thinking everyone is out to hurt you, only to have a saviour take pity on you.
We’ll need time to learn to trust again…
In fairness.
West Ham have been trying to move the entire training facility to a new location for many years. The last one involved a massive sports facility in Fairlop, near Barkingside, which got rejected by the local cricket club!!
Ah the old ‘we tried but failed routine’. Can’t recall a time they’ve tried that one before
It always confused me how an administration that had to pay so little for their stadium didn’t invest in the training facilities at the club
To be even handed, we’ve had outdated training facilities a long time before Sullivan and Brady were at the helm. What is unforgivable is their cheap skate approach to Rush Green. Ive never been to RG but have not heard a positive comment from anybody, particularly from team management.
Kretinsky does have deeper pockets, but most importantly he is far more professional and also ambitious than S&B.
I’m still holding my breathe, crossing fingers etc awaiting the various share transactions to take place which push Sullivan to a position of zero power and influence as I have seen enough dashed dreams to know things change……but it is undeniably exciting that we could have someone who truly has the best interests of the club and fans (as well as his own desire to increase the value of the club and thus his wealth) and make us a longstanding top 10 club who challenge for European places and cups on a regular basis in my lifetime.
Let’s hope that it comes to fruition sooner rather than later.
Perhaps the new facility attracts a naming rights sponsorship deal too.
We’re in the money!
Bearing in mind the reported safeguarding issues the only way a single site could be developed is with Sullivan out of the way. Mind you did he ever drop in on training sessions?
More ITK stuff…….
We don’t want this ever again. If you’re going to report such ‘news’ …please tell us your source!!
I’m really surprised you’ve chosen to go down this road, Gonzo.
I had hoped that with a new broom at the club that this ITK stuff would also disappear but it seems people can’t get out of old habits.
Considering this is extremely positive news at a time when we are in a state of flux, I guess the in-house media team are speaking to C&H to give fans a sense of optimism.
It beats the previous ITK sources that were obviously pro Brady & Sullivan that tried to mug off fans with their’ propaganda.
I’ve always thought our outdated training facilities have hindered our progress. Why would youth players join or stay in the academy if they can be lured elsewhere that provides a better environment for development.
The same can be said for established players that get a tour before signing for the club.
It’s long overdue and delighted to hear this news!
We desperately need training facility upgrades, there’s no doubt about that. However, both Tottenham and Leicester have state of the art training facilities. There is no real correlation between sustained uptick in performance from that improvement. Spurs also apparently have one of the world’s greatest state of the art stadiums. Yet prefer to play away from home when it comes to gaining any points. Playing staff and coaching is where the gains are really made.