West Ham could be heading straight back to square one behind the scenes — because the idea of appointing a director of football has effectively been laughed off.
That’s despite what fans were told only weeks ago.
A meeting between the Fan Advisory Board and Karren Brady suggested a new head of recruitment would be brought in regardless of whether West Ham stay up or go down. But speaking to Claret & Hugh, a reliable source involved in multiple Premier League deals has made it clear — don’t expect that to happen if the club survives.
West Ham DOF plan already unravelling behind the scenes
“Look, if West Ham stay up, I can’t see them appointing a DOF,” the source said.
He went further than that too. “If you survive, then the majority of transfers will be decided by Nuno Espírito Santo and Jorge Mendes. Nobody will be brought in over his head.”
And let’s be honest, that tells you everything about where this is heading.
West Ham set to stick with agent-led recruitment model
West Ham have been without a proper head of transfers since the departure of Tim Steidten. Kyle Macaulay came in as head of recruitment and has already gone, now resurfacing at Manchester United. That’s not exactly a stable structure.
Reading between the lines, it does feel like what was said to the FAB was more about keeping the noise down than outlining a genuine plan.
The reality looks far simpler — and probably more concerning depending on your view. West Ham are likely to continue leaning on favoured agents, with David Sullivan heavily involved, rather than building a modern recruitment structure.
What this means for West Ham moving forward
If results pick up, this probably gets brushed under the carpet.
But if they don’t, this is exactly the kind of thing that comes back to bite you. Because without a proper structure in place, you’re relying on short-term decisions rather than any kind of long-term planning.
And that’s been the story at West Ham for years now — and it doesn’t look like it’s changing anytime soon.
You can’t teach and old dog new tricks and silly Sully never learns anyway. A modern recruitment structure – we wish! We’re forever blowing bubbles in the bath. 🛀 😤
Whatever the owners decide about the running of the club and our future is fine by me.
Never a good idea to fund the dreams and ambitions of others.
Not a popular view, I know, Gonzo. Getting behind the team and supporting the club is more important than suggesting wholesale changes and criticism.
The owners tried and failed with the Lopetegui model and I sincerely hope we never follow that route again.
COYI
Does that mean you’re fine with the fact we face financial Armageddon if relegated, and at best stay up and have to sell off players to fund the debt?
I’ve got zero trust in our owners making the correct decisions for the long term heath of West Ham United Football Club.
I don’t understand this system with DOF heading recruitment surely the manager has to have full responsibility otherwise he can’t be held to account for poor performance.