By Kris Gonzo | Senior West Ham Columnist (Follow on X)
As West Ham fans were enjoying watching the Hammers put four goals past Wolverhampton Wanderers, there was a slight distraction up in the stands as Amanda Staveley took her place in the seats just below the directors’ box.
Staveley, of course, has had a bid accepted by Vanessa Gold for her 25% stakeholding in the club and is currently awaiting the pre-emption process.
The former Newcastle owner and head of PCP Capital Partners was pictured going into the London Stadium and was also picked up by the Sky TV cameras.
That set tongues wagging as to why she would be at a West Ham game, with some optimistic Hammers fans wondering whether a deal had indeed been made.
Others were speculating that perhaps this could be a sign that Daniel Křetínský was now willing to work alongside Staveley.
C&H Source Explains Staveley Visit
However, when Claret & Hugh spoke to a source close to the involved parties yesterday, we were informed:
“Don’t read too much into it, Amanda was invited to the game by Vanessa Gold. They’ve become quite close but there is still a long way to go with the pre-emptive rights.”
So, for those of us hoping Staveley’s presence at the London Stadium had signalled a thawing in the relationship between her and Křetínský, we may have jumped the gun somewhat.
Vanessa Gold invited Amanda Staveley to the London Stadium
There is still hope that a resolution can be found, and the fact that she was in attendance certainly demonstrates she’s not giving up on West Ham.
Indeed, Staveley’s pursuit of Gold’s shares has already created another fascinating dimension to the West Ham ownership battle.
West Ham Ownership Battle Continues
Staveley would also have been very aware that her attendance at the game would see her pictured and create something of a buzz.
Her presence doesn’t tell us that an agreement has been reached with Křetínský, but neither does it suggest someone who has lost interest in acquiring a significant stake in West Ham.
As previously reported, Křetínský has shown no indication that he intends to sell his own West Ham holding, which leaves the pre-emption process surrounding Gold’s shares crucial to what happens next.
As for the rest, I guess we’ll just have to wait and see what happens while the shareholders enter the second round of the pre-emption process.
Morning Gonzo. When does the second stage finish?
I know to get where they both are in their positions you need to be a bit ruthless but if Kretinsky and Stavely want what’s best for the club surely that is to oust Sullivan and work together Kretinsky can’t and won’t be able to buy all the shares so there needs to be some other investment even if he goes for the controlling amount. If nothing else Stavely knows how football operates and surely can only be good for the club and good for his share value. What’s not to want? Unless with Sullivans input blunted by all that is happening Kretinsky wants him to remain in place almost as a silent partner with him calling all the shots?