“Please No” Sullivan Attempts to Edge Back Into West Ham Decisions

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

West Ham United face the nightmare scenario of David Sullivan helping to select the club’s next manager should Nuno Espírito Santo be sacked this season.

That was the uncomfortable reality revealed to Claret & Hugh earlier today when speaking to a top source, who made it clear that Nuno may not be allowed to simply continue if the Hammers’ poor start to the season gets worse.

And Watford could prove particularly important although it’s important to stress, nobody at the London Stadium is claiming so.

C&H were told: “If the manager loses against Watford he’s going to come under pressure. The team already lack motivation.”

For those of us hoping a new, vibrant, up-and-coming coach would be the order of the day, there could be another problem.

As things stand, there are no candidates being readied for the position.

Sullivan could help choose next West Ham manager

When we asked whether recruitment director Nils Koppen would already have a list of potential candidates to replace Espírito Santo, C&H were told:

“No. That would be decided by Daniel Kretinsky and David Sullivan.”

That’s not exactly what I wanted to hear.

Part of my concern is precisely this: I had very little faith that anybody at the football club was already identifying the next exciting, progressive coach.

Unfortunately, it appears that concern was justified.

The other worrying aspect is Sullivan’s apparent re-emergence in the void left by genuine leadership on a day to day basis by Kretinsky or Vanessa Gold.

Sullivan stepped down as West Ham chairman earlier this summer and his influence over the football club initially appeared to have diminished considerably.

But that could change.

Sullivan trying to get involved again

When we asked whether Sullivan had been involved in the club’s transfer activity this summer, our source said:

“None of the players are Sullivan’s picks but he is trying to get involved. Recruitment has been a struggle.”

We were also informed that Sullivan remains in constant dialogue with the club.

Whilst his influence was negligible during June and July, we’re told he is trying to become more involved as the transfer window reaches its conclusion.

It would appear that Daniel Kretinsky and Vanessa Gold’s lack of day-to-day involvement in running West Ham has created an opportunity for Sullivan to edge his way back into the decision-making process.

That’s quite a turnaround.

Following Sullivan’s resignation, the balance of power at West Ham appeared to be shifting firmly towards Kretinsky. Indeed, it was the Czech billionaire who ultimately won the previous boardroom battle over Nuno’s future and decided to retain him for the Championship campaign.

Now we could potentially find ourselves in a situation where Kretinsky sacks the manager he fought to keep and then turns to Sullivan for help choosing his replacement.

West Ham can’t repeat old mistakes

Sullivan, of course, oversaw the appointments of Julen Lopetegui, Graham Potter and Nuno Espírito Santo.

Three appointments which have arguably helped put West Ham in the position we’re currently in.

And that is why the prospect of his influence increasing again concerns me so much.

This isn’t about pretending Sullivan has suddenly regained his old executive powers. He hasn’t. That said, the former chairman has been trying to get involved in transfer business at the club but has not wielded any influence YET.

But with nobody else at the club possessing significant experience of appointing head coaches, it appears his voice could become increasingly influential.

Nuno still has an opportunity to turn things around, starting with tonight’s game against the Saints followed by Watford.

But if he doesn’t, West Ham need to get the next appointment right.

Going back to the man involved in choosing the last three doesn’t exactly scream fresh start.

Opinion: I still firmly believe David Sullivan is on his way out of West Ham. He is firmly in the crosshairs of the football regulator and does not have the funds to take full control of the football club.

However, in the short term, I do get a sense that he is itching to get involved in recruitment. However, as a prominent insider told me yesterday when informed of the news “please no”, a sentiment which will be echoed by most West Ham fans.