Claret & Hugh can reveal today that, despite reports to the contrary, David Sullivan had no input into the decision to appoint Scott Parker as West Ham United’s new manager.
Some reports in the national media have suggested that Sullivan reacted to the Hammers’ back-to-back defeats against Southampton and West Bromwich Albion by convincing the board to sack Nuno Espírito Santo and appoint Parker. However, information received by C&H indicates that this was not the case.
Instead, we understand that the decision was driven by West Ham chief executive Karim Virani, who, following meetings on Monday, approached the board for permission to dismiss Nuno and appoint Parker. The former Hammers midfielder was already the preferred candidate, with one club insider describing him to us today as “the perfect fit”.
And it has very much been Virani liaising with Daniel Kretinsky which has prompted the club to change direction so quickly.
Karim Virani was the driving force behind the appointment of Scott Parker
Virani Drove West Ham Managerial Change
The concern surrounding Nuno’s position had been building for some time and was not simply a reaction to two disappointing results. There was growing dissatisfaction within the club over performances across a number of matches, with the defeat to West Bromwich Albion effectively proving to be the last straw.
Virani subsequently decided to act more quickly than originally anticipated, with performances showing no sign of improvement. As Claret & Hugh revealed earlier this week, Monday’s meeting brought forward a dismissal which had initially been expected to come after further consideration.
Parker was very much at the top of the list, and Virani sought the board’s approval to proceed with the change. Our latest information makes an important distinction between the board approving the appointment and Sullivan personally driving the decision.
Far from being a Sullivan-led intervention following the Southampton and West Brom defeats, C&H understands that it was Virani who took the initiative to end Nuno’s tenure and bring Parker back to West Ham.
I heard that David Sullivan had advised Karim to make this change now.
Whatever – job done.
Why is this a surprise!
We have already read all about how Sullivan resigned from the board of West Ham the football club, he doesn’t have any operational say!
He is only a board member of holding company, and can override special resolutions.
A majority shareholder has no say in who manages his club/investment whatever your views about Sullivan this is one very bizzare story….
Good. Sideline Sullivan and you’re in with some chance of a sensible and timely decision. The number one aim is to get back to the premier league for financial reasons and Parker has to be your number one choice for attaining that aim. Correct decision at the correct moment, nothing at all like Sullivan. What happens in the premier league is only an issue if you actually get there.