By Kris Gonzo | Senior West Ham Columnist (Follow on X).
The aftershocks are still being felt following David Sullivan’s resignation from his executive position at West Ham United amid the ongoing controversy surrounding his private life.
As revealed on West Ham’s official website, Sullivan has stepped down from his executive role at the club, with the termination of his employment subsequently registered at Companies House.
It should be noted, however, that Sullivan still retains his shareholding in West Ham and remains a major owner. What changes is that he will no longer be involved in the day-to-day running of the football club.
Suggestions that all power now automatically transfers to Daniel Křetínský appear wide of the mark.
However, Sullivan’s resignation may help explain several significant developments which have taken place behind the scenes in recent weeks.
Kretinsky’s Influence Now Makes More Sense
One of the biggest questions surrounding West Ham recently was how Daniel Křetínský was able to get his way over the decision to retain Nuno Espírito Santo.
Sullivan had reportedly wanted to replace Nuno following relegation, yet it was ultimately Křetínský’s preferred option which prevailed.
With hindsight, that outcome now makes considerably more sense.
If there was already a possibility that Sullivan would be stepping down, it follows that key figures at the club may have been aware his influence was beginning to diminish.
Jack Sullivan Taking Greater Role
Having spoken to a club insider earlier today, Claret & Hugh were informed that Jack Sullivan has already been taking on a more hands-on role behind the scenes.
It is understood that responsibility is likely to continue.
The source told us:
“Jack is doing a lot of the transfer stuff behind the scenes. David Sullivan hasn’t been doing anything.”
That claim certainly adds further context to Sullivan’s statement, in which he explained he was stepping aside in order to devote his full attention to fighting what he described as “false allegations”.
If much of his time has been occupied by legal matters, it would explain why others have increasingly been handling football operations.
Early indications suggest that while Sullivan’s day-to-day involvement at West Ham has now come to an end, his ownership stake remains unchanged and at least one member of the Sullivan family is likely to retain a place on the board of directors.
It’s to be hoped that Kretinsky buys the Gold shares as intended and with them takes majority control. I have more faith he’ll seek a modern professional approach and ditch the pathetic run of wheeler-dealing that’s dumped us out of the PL.
If he really cares about the club, he should move to sell his holding and save it’s reputation from a continued association.
All eyes on Panorama come Monday. Goodbye and thanks for all the fish, Mr Sullivan. Don’t let the sleazy arm candy hit your arse on the way out.
Jack Sullivan’s doing transfer business ??? Are we intending to go into liquidation- what does this little berk know about players ? We seem to lurch from one crisis into another one – I bet if Nuno leaves Andy Carroll is lined up as manager !
Still, let’s just celebrate Sullivan Senior slinging his hook – it’s West Ham, though, so you know something
negative & depressing is just around the corner 😫
2 sons on the Board per Companies House today which reflects DS’s resignation.
Nothing seems to have emerged re the touted sale of Gold’s shares to DS/DK or the rights issue which actually bring needed cash into the club
DOF incoming – no more car boot sales then and announcing we will sell anyone at the right price with everything negotiable. No longer shooting ourselves in both feet will be the start of a slow trek to becoming a better run club.
Wary of one person (DOF) having so much control but beyond my ken to know. Anyhow, so much will depend on who they get.
So we now have a spotty faced kid heading up our recruitment team?
The former social media manager as interim CEO
two majority shareholders who are not involved in any meaningful leadership role?
What could possibly go wrong?
Oh West Ham we love you?
just shows the arrogance of this family.
Sullivan jnr done about 8 months doing ladies football, now he’s an expert at running a premier League club.
absolute joke of a club.
let’s hope the premier League fit and proper rules come into play, if he’s guilty, hopefully they make them sell up.
it’s no win, Sullivan and Brady have already done the damage to this once great football club.
the Premier League couldn’t care less. We’re in the EFL
I hope Ampika sticks by him.
Does this do news do more to explain the sudden and oddly timed departure of Brady and her minions? Hmm
YEEEEEEEEESSSSSS!!!! THANK YOU BEEB!!
Sounds like David Sullivan will still be a major influence as he will simply be directing his son from a distance. His son will probably just be his front meaning nothing will change hope I’m wrong but it all seems a bit iffy to me.
Agreed this was my immediate thoughts when I heard about this a few months back. I knew the kids would still be involved whilst Sully sits in a country with no extradition order with the UK.
I don’t see much changing but this is still massively positive news.