As West Ham move into a situation of claim and counterclaim over the future of Nuno Espírito Santo, one thing is becoming crystal clear.
David Sullivan is not budging from the top of West Ham United.
Probably worse than that, the Hammers’ majority shareholder now appears to be hiding behind the generic club statement released late last night, which carried the signature of nobody in particular at the football club.
Given the uncertainty surrounding West Ham’s immediate and long-term future, you would think Sullivan would want to offer supporters some clarity. After all, he has been at the centre of the decisions which have led the club into its current mess.
Unfortunately, Sullivan is refusing to comment on the future of the manager — which is fair enough and understandable to a point — but more concerningly, he also appears unwilling to address the future direction of the club itself.
West Ham Fans Need More Than Empty Words
As part of the statement released on the club’s official website, West Ham said:
“The Club acknowledges how challenging this season has been for them and knows it must take steps to restore a sense of pride, faith and belief.”
The problem is the statement offered absolutely no indication whatsoever as to how the club intends to rebuild or what the strategy is for coping with an uncertain future in the Championship.
And honestly, phrases like pride, faith and belief don’t really cut it anymore.
What supporters need to hear now is strategy, policy, planning and direction rather than vague corporate waffle which could have been written by absolutely anybody.
At this stage, I’m not even overly concerned whether West Ham keep Nuno Espírito Santo or sack him.
Nothing Appears To Have Been Learnt
The bigger concern is that Sullivan still seems to be front and centre of the entire decision-making process.
Most worrying of all is that the very same man who appointed Julen Lopetegui, Graham Potter and indeed Nuno himself now appears to be overseeing the next major managerial decision too.
It genuinely feels as though nothing whatsoever has been learnt from any of this.
That’s probably the hardest part for many supporters to accept after yesterday.
West Ham fans made their feelings towards the chairman crystal clear during the Leeds game and did so in the loudest possible fashion.
Yet less than 24 hours later, the club response already feels like business as usual.
And in many respects, this now feels like the worst possible outcome of all:
Relegation with David Sullivan still firmly in charge of West Ham United.
There can be no optimism for the future with Sullivan calling the shots. He could retire with some dignity. If not the Board needs to remove his executive authority. They can and they must, enough is enough.
Gonzo – any idea why the big Czech wasn’t at the game Sunday?
If he even remotely cared (which he doesn’t) you think he would be there to see if his investment plummeted in value or not.
He’s nothing more than a silent backer and anyone hoping he’ll increase his shareholding or push Sully out are living in dreamland.
A summer rebuild with Sully at the helm out of control. What could go wrong…
I don’t think he’s arsed Jimbo mate
JUST DON’T GO! IT’S THE ONLY OPTION, IN THE WORDS OF KENNETH WILLIAMS ” STOP MESSING ABOUT ” STAY AWAY FROM THIS ABSOLUTE CIRCUS OF A CLUB, IT’S THE ONLY WAY! OR DON’T YOU MEAN IT?
For quite a number of years I have purchased 4 season tickets for myself and family the most recent tickets being just over £4500 that excludes money spent on match day( train fair, a few beers etc) and away games that we have attended. This year I have not enjoyed and so have unfortunately decided that until Sullivan goes I will not give any more of my hard earned money to the club, don’t think this is an isolated thing as a number of people and groups who sit close to us have said the same. I would estimate that’s around 40 people all paying £1175 a year will not be renewing for next season. I know that doesn’t sound a lot but these are people that have sat close to us at Upton Park and moved as a group to the London stadium in my opinion the kind of people the club can’t afford to lose but thanks to Sullivan have. Those that choose to renew good luck next season maybe we will see you again sometime
Gonzo, just wanted to thank yourself and the rest of the lads for the information you provide us with over the season. Obviously, been very tough for everyone who loves West Ham, but the updated information you give is much appreciated mate. Don’t read any other sites as wouldn’t trust information given out.
Look forward to any updates over the Summer.
All the best, Ken.
Thanks Kenny mate.
Really appreciated and I know I speak for the chaps when I say that it never goes unnoticed.
Thanks for sticking with us
This is so simular to Mike Ashley at Newcastle.
The fans despised him and had to endure many years of his poor decisions (many of which benefitted him personally and financially) The club will only go backwards why we have current owner at the helm.
Big match next season Gonzo W ham v Birmingham City Ring any bells
The bit I don’t understand is why Kretinsky is increasing his shareholding (apparently) to equal Sullivan at 40%. Why would you do this if it were not part of a plan to have more authority in decision making. It makes no sense.
I remain hopeful that we will still see a professional executive & management structure put in place to run the club. The alternative, being an old dinosaur unable to keep up with a modern, professional football and thinking he knows ‘players’ doesn’t bear thinking about.
Do the decent thing and get lost Sullivan
Great article Gonzo mate
The only language that man understands is Money so do not renew season tickets do not attend any games let the stadium echo to away fans only…short term pain for the fans who love the club but it is the only way to get rid of the worst owner of our club ever.
Well said, Pat 👍
Buisness as usual Gonzo Without out ticket money The mans a maniac let him get on with it Self destruct
I’m probably clutching at straws but Kretinsky can’t be happy about how his investment has tanked and surely realises he needs to take greater control. Sullivan will want some future role for his son but perhaps he could be persuaded to sell some of holding and take a back seat.
A number of the decisions have been as if unhinged and we are now relegated due to them.
What happens should they continue ?
We’re into territory where downward spiral is very possible.
I have been hinting for some time is Sullivan losing it, I’m putting it directly out there now, decisions have been as if deranged.
Are they actually deranged ? Sullivan is 77 now, it is not beyond the realms of possibility.
Sullivan & Brady have been releasing these worthless club statements for years.
I honestly think the fan base are going to turn ugly if this buffoon thinks he can just keep on
having them over.
Be interesting to see how many fans turn up next season.
I know three current season ticket holders who will not renew, or even attend games until
Sullivan either sells up ( unlikely) or takes his mucky little paws off the footballing side and hands it over
to footballing people who know their stuff and we get some semblance of structure in place.
The West Ham Doug Ellis,,…..👎👎👎