AdminUncertainty continues to surround the ownership structure at West Ham United following David Sullivan’s surprise resignation, with speculation intensifying over the future balance of power between Sullivan, Daniel Kretinsky and the Gold family.
Only a week has passed since Sullivan stepped down, yet questions remain over who will ultimately emerge as the dominant figure behind the scenes.
With the club facing a crucial summer both on and off the pitch, attention has increasingly turned towards Kretinsky’s next move.
Speaking on his respected podcast The Football Boardroom, former Liverpool, Chelsea and Aston Villa executive Christian Purslow offered his view on how the Czech billionaire could strengthen his position at the London Stadium.
In a segment titled “How Kretinsky could take control”, Purslow suggested that Sullivan’s shares may not be Kretinsky’s primary target.
“What’s the quickest way to get control? Im not sure that’s [buying Sullivan’s shares] a logical conclusion. There’s nothing to suggest [Sullivan] is going to be pressured to sell.
The easiest way for Kretinsky to get full control of the football club would be for him to buy out the Gold family shareholding in full. That would take him to about 52%.
At that point he would be in control of the club, there would be no decisions that could be really blocked.
Most importantly if he wanted to put money into the club, not to buy shares from another shareholder, but to actually improve the finances of the club, he could do so [at that point] and that would dilute David Sullivan’s shareholding over time.
I’ve seen that device used by many investors to gradually take full control of the club.”
Behind the scenes, Kretinsky’s influence is believed to be growing, with reports suggesting key appointments and staffing decisions are already being shaped.
With pre-season beginning on 6 July and a major squad rebuild required, West Ham will hope clarity arrives sooner rather than later.
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