West Ham have this afternoon confirmed that owner’s son Jack Sullivan will step down from his role as Managing Director of the women’s team in mid-June.
The 21-year-old son of Hammers Joint-Chairmen David Sullivan will depart after four years in charge.
Having taken over in May 2017, Jack played a leading role as the Club successfully applied for a licence to play in the top tier of the restructured FA Women’s Super League just a year later.
The Hammers enjoyed a phenomenal inaugural 2018/19 campaign in the WSL, securing a seventh-place finish and reaching the Women’s FA Cup final at Wembley.
Despite a tough battle in the lower half of the division this season, they secured their WSL top-flight status and will contest their fourth consecutive campaign next season.
Next season signals the start of an exciting new era for the women’s game with the start of the new broadcast rights deal that will see Sky Sports and the BBC screen live games, which follows on from the TV show on BBC Three and saw an audience of over 20 million across the two series.
Jack Sullivan said: “This has been a very tough decision but, after much consideration, I believe it is the right time to move on. My time working with the women’s team has been a fantastic and hugely rewarding experience.
When I look back on where we were four years ago, I am extremely proud of team and the progress and improvements that we have all made since then.
“I feel we have put foundations in place that will give the women’s team a great chance of going on to bigger and better things in the future, and I want to thank every single one of the players, coaches, staff, fans and the partners who have been alongside me on this journey.
We have missed the supporters so much this year and we cannot wait to welcome them back to our games on a regular basis – your support makes such a difference to the team. I leave with some fantastic memories, with my head held high, and confident that a platform is now in place for West Ham United to progress further in the women’s game.
I have been working with Club staff for a sustained period of time now and that, combined with the one Club approach, will ensure the transition is as seamless as possible.
What will Jack Sullivan do instead then? What is his next role? Will he take on a role with the mens team now?
Probably just as well. Jack the Lad was in danger of believing in the Barry Fryesque old school style of being naughty and enjoying too many jokes and capers. Growing up now. Good luck to the lad in whatever he does.
COYI