Exclusive: Steve Nickson West Ham Deal Done As Kretinsky Hands Him Major Powers

By Kris Gonzo | Senior West Ham Columnist (Follow on X)

Claret & Hugh have discovered within the last few minutes that the agreement for Steve Nickson to join West Ham is done and is expected to be announced in the coming days.

Nickson has officially left his role as Head of Recruitment at Newcastle United and has already had all the relevant meetings with two of Daniel Kretinsky’s associates, as well as speaking directly with the Czech billionaire himself.

Far-Reaching Powers

In an update which should provide a huge boost of encouragement to Hammers supporters, it has also been relayed to us today that Nickson will have far-reaching powers over player recruitment and has already begun the process of identifying transfer targets.

We asked specifically whether it would be Nickson or Nuno Espírito Santo who would have the final say on incoming players.

The response was unequivocal.

“Nickson is identifying players and already has some in mind.”

For supporters concerned that West Ham would revert to an agent-led approach to recruitment, it would appear the new regime are serious about putting football people in charge of football decisions.

Kretinsky Wants Key Players To Stay

It has also been reiterated that Daniel Kretinsky remains determined to retain as many key players as possible in order to get the club back to the Premier League at the first attempt.

Whilst some departures are inevitable, the message coming from the new ownership structure remains consistent.

West Ham intend to build from a position of strength rather than conduct a fire sale.

Švarc Playing Key Role

We understand that Jiří Švarc has been heavily involved behind the scenes in recent weeks as Kretinsky’s right-hand man helps oversee the transition at the football club.

Taken together with plans for a new training ground, improvements to the London Stadium and the positive messaging surrounding the first-team squad, it all points towards a very different approach at West Ham.

And perhaps most encouraging of all, it suggests the days of one man trying to run every aspect of the football club could finally be coming to an end.