By Kris Gonzo | Senior West Ham Columnist (Follow on X).
Understandably, many West Ham fans are celebrating the resignation of chairman David Sullivan from his executive decision-making position at the football club.
Following years of unpopular ownership, it’s perfectly understandable that Hammers supporters would take the opportunity to rejoice.
But in my own mind, this is just the beginning of the end rather than the start of something new.
There is still much work to be done.
Claims that as West Ham fans, we have finally got our club back at this stage appear premature.
Whilst I wouldn’t go as far as saying nothing has changed, because clearly it has, I would still argue that West Ham fans have won a battle rather than the war.
Sullivan Still Has Influence
As things stand, David Sullivan remains the majority shareholder at West Ham.
And just to make the reality even more depressing, former chairman Terence Brown, who was arguably just as unpopular with supporters, also remains a shareholder in the football club.
Whilst Sullivan has stepped back, his children, David Jr and Jack, have become increasingly prominent figures at West Ham, as has been mentioned on these pages before.
It’s also worth noting that Jack has become more involved in recruitment matters recently and has played a leading role in the search for a new Director of Football.
That hardly feels like a complete break from the past.
The Kretinsky Question Remains
As for Daniel Kretinsky, he’s certainly wealthy enough to run a Premier League football club.
What I’m less certain about are his ambitions and long-term intentions.
My suspicion is that Kretinsky will look to take advantage of Sullivan’s weakened position, acquire additional shares at a reduced valuation following relegation and oversee a process aimed at returning West Ham to the Premier League.
Upon promotion, I wouldn’t be remotely surprised to see the club sold to an American consortium.
That is, of course, speculation on my part, but it’s how I currently see the situation.
If that proves to be the case, there is still plenty of work ahead before West Ham supporters can truly claim the club has entered a new era.
Which is why I see this moment as the beginning of the end rather than a new dawn.
The good news is that change has started.
The reality is that the journey may still have another year to run.
Jack and David junior won’t want to hear ‘your father’s a nonce’ every home game. It’s over for them. The Sullivans might not know it yet but they are finished.
Anything that reduces Sullivans input is a positive for me.
I think you are right on Kretinsky, Gonzo. He has no more love for West Ham than for the Post Office or any of his other investments
Here I am on the other side of the World. I can’t believe the comment coming from the real supporters of the Irons. Him going has got to be an improvement the Club has been run incompetently into the second tier. What next Sullivan stays and next Stop Divvy 2.
I agree this might seem what we have been waiting for but are we just speculating, we have no idea what is happening until I see shares brought a DOF and real change I will remain worried.Its a step in the right direction and seems massive but only if the the changes we so desperately want happens
Good news obviously but nothings changed.
His two little brats now run the show.
On a personal note I would welcome a few years in the lower league’s. Even going bankrupt and getting kicked out of the LONDON CRICKET GROUND.
Then we may finally have OUR club back.
And still this site . Right up Sullivan’s arse still
You’re joking!!! If anything, especially with new West Ham World Correspondent Kris “Gonzo” Gonzo now having made a coup on Claret & Hugh,it’s the complete opposite. Totally anti-Sully.
Kretinsky worries me. What are his credentials? He can’t even get my post delivered on time.
The REALLY troubling aspect to this – as opposed to the joy that Sullivan senior has taken somewhat of a step down – is that his sons are now taking a more active role in running the club. Until that is sorted out, there is no reason to celebrate what could only be a temporary demise in Sullivan senior’s position at the club. And, of course, he is still the majority shareholder.
Remember the devil you know is better than the devil you don’t know. Just saying