By Kris Gonzo | Senior West Ham Columnist (Follow on X)
A report this morning suggested David Sullivan could buy 13% of Vanessa Gold’s West Ham shares, take his holding to around 50% and launch a full takeover of the club.
I’m not buying it. In fact, I believe the exact opposite is happening: David Sullivan’s days at West Ham are numbered.
Sullivan Is Heading For The Exit
In this video, I explain why the suggestion Sullivan is about to strengthen his position makes little sense, particularly while the Independent Football Regulator is reportedly examining his suitability to remain a club owner following allegations concerning his private life raised by Panorama.
This comes after Sullivan stepped down as West Ham chairman earlier this summer.
Meanwhile, the battle for control continues. Amanda Staveley is now looking towards Sullivan’s 38% shareholding, while Daniel Křetínský retains pre-emption rights which could allow him to increase his own stake.
Whatever the eventual outcome, I believe West Ham are heading towards a Křetínský-Staveley power struggle.
That might not be perfect, but it would at least be a two-way battle rather than the three-way ownership struggle we have now.
For Sullivan, however, I think the direction of travel is clear. He’s on his way out.
I full DS takeover? Not keen on that idea. No indication he has any vision for the club Staverly’s consortium clearly do, so that’s positive. AI tells me that DK also has ambitious plans for the club, including investing huge amounts into training facilities and the academy. It’s also likely that both are keen to own the stadium. Khan has indicated he’d be willing to listen to offers. He no doubt wants rid of that drain on taxpayers money and likely willing to let it go for a (excuse the pun) knockdown price. DK has apparently already had designs drawn up for re-engineering the inner bowl of the stadium which would include all seating very close to the pitch. I get the impression DK’s vision is for the club. Staverly’s however seems more to do with leveraging return on investment from also renovating the stadium and the wider real estate.
I think Sullivan should sell his stake in west ham to to Amanda Staveley because I don’t think Kretinsky could take West Ham to next stage in getting back to the Premier League and further not just going up but getting West Ham into the top half of the Premier League some of the players they bought over the few seasons are up to premier league standards
Who gives one ?