Much has been written in the period following David Sullivan’s resignation about the former co-owner’s plans for the future of his shareholding.
Taking many fans – and industry commentators – by surprise when he increased his own shareholding to 40% when Vanessa Gold’s shares were divided up, Sullivan shows no outward signs of selling up and disappearing, much to the disappointment of nearly all of the West Ham fan base.
Indeed, a new theory emerged that Sullivan planned to establish a legacy for his two sons Jack and David Jr by passing his shares to them and therefore continuing the ‘Sullivan’ influence for a new generation.
Reassuringly, footballinsider247.com. today reports on how largest shareholder Daniel Kretinsky would likely thwart any plans for Sullivan’s sons to re-exert influence inside the West Ham boardroom, quoting industry finance expert Keith Wyness:
“..Wyness made it clear that Kretinsky won’t be fazed by the chance of Sullivan’s sons getting involved…..Over time, all Kretinsky would do, I think, is just dilute them by putting in more capital and asking them to match it. I don’t think that’s something they’d be prepared to do.”
Simply put, Kretinsky can add shareholder investment by putting in money – if the other shareholders don’t match his input pound for pound then their own shareholding becomes a smaller proportion of the total value of the club. Over time they’d see their 20% shares shrink, unless they have access to the funding to match each injection made by the largest shareholder.
Which Sullivan will well know, suggesting, as the report concludes, that:
“it’s obviously just all about maximising the value and being a nuisance, if you like, for Kretinsky..Overall, it’s just another thing in the game of shadow boxing between Kretinsky and Sullivan right now; that’s all it is.”
Reassuring words for those of us who can’t wait to see Sullivan’s association with the club we love terminated, once and for all.
David Sullivan will go, and his sons won’t have anything to do with the club.
Why would they stay here where they’re hated beyond contempt and they have to have 24/7 security? There are easier ways to make money.
After all, that’s all they’re interested in. Materialistic things that don’t matter that don’t make anyone happy.
It’s all meaningless, but it’s lost on narcissistic small-minded people with no character, personality, and, most importantly, soul.
Be patient. Their days are numbered.
You know the saying made from the same cloth
Well if Sullivan does handover his shares to his sons who’s to say they are anything like there old man.
I’m nothing like my old man bless his soul and nor are any of us. Just saying