By Kris Gonzo | Senior West Ham Columnist (Follow on X)
Amanda Staveley, remember her?
The former Newcastle United co-owner was rumoured to be one of the frontrunners to take control of West Ham, as Claret & Hugh reported back in April.
Staveley was understood to be seeking a London club at the time, and West Ham were mentioned alongside Tottenham as potential targets.
However, the rumour disappeared almost as quickly as it arrived, with some reports suggesting the 52-year-old had been unable to put together a consortium capable of buying the club.
Quite a lot has changed since then, of course.
A Familiar Name Returns
David Sullivan has stepped down from his executive role and Daniel Kretinsky is now looking to take full control of the Hammers with the backing of fellow board members.
However, the name Staveley has cropped up again over the last 24 hours, particularly following suggestions that Steve Nickson could be arriving at the club as Director of Football.
Nickson and Staveley worked closely together during their time at Newcastle.
Ordinarily, this might be a case of putting two and two together and getting five.
But there is an added twist.
Some are now reporting that Staveley was in attendance at the London Stadium yesterday.
How Much Of It Is Real?
A photograph has been circulating behind the scenes showing Staveley and two others outside the stadium.
If I’m honest, having seen it, it could have been anybody.
So I wouldn’t be reading too much into that particular piece of evidence.
That said, additional investment from a third party cannot be completely ruled out whilst David Sullivan’s shareholding remains unresolved.
Could A Third Party Solve The Problem?
Daniel Kretinsky has wrestled control of the club with the support of Vanessa Gold and Albert Tripp Smith.
However, it would appear Sullivan is proving more difficult to negotiate with than some may have anticipated.
One possible outcome is that a third party acquires Sullivan’s shares, effectively circumventing previous arrangements between the original shareholders.
Whether Staveley has any involvement in that remains entirely speculative at this stage.
What has become abundantly clear over the last 48 hours, however, is the ambition and determination behind the scenes to push West Ham forward.
As things stand, I wouldn’t rule out a shared ownership arrangement if it ultimately helps remove David Sullivan from the picture.
Mystery solved!
Got this off a friend of a friend who knows someone who once went to Upton Park.
It wasn’t Amanda Staveley, it was actually David Sullivan sitting on Jack Sullivan’s shoulders with a blonde wig and long coat on, He’ll do anything to get back into the club after regretting resigning when he did 🙃 COYI Onwards and Upwards ⚒️
🤣🤣🤣
It was actually Amphika Pickston.
As you say, Staveley ‘might’ have been at the LS, but (From the photo) it could have been anybody…
Only if they look like the love child of Mickey Rourke and Joan Rivers!!?
Sullivan difficult to negotiate with?
Surely not. Lol!