Billionaire co-owner Daniel Kretinsky has broken cover with two bizarre claims as he joined David Sullivan in reacting to the major news that Karren Brady has left the club.
West Ham fans have heard from Daniel Kretinsky less than a handful of times since he bought 27 per cent of the club back in November 2021 – but the departure of Karren Brady has brought him out of the shadows.
The Czech billionaire has been described as ‘secretive’ and has certainly lived up to that billing since he became West Ham’s second biggest stakeholder behind David Sullivan.
Kretinsky has come in for criticism for his silence amid the mounting issues and rapid regression at the London Stadium over the last two years.
Kretinsky makes bizarre claims after Brady’s West Ham exit
It has been Sullivan and vice-chair Brady who have been front and centre of fan ire, though.
A season-long campaign of protests have been aimed squarely at forcing Brady and Sullivan to leave or stand down from the day-to-day running of West Ham.
What legacy will Karren Brady leave behind at West Ham? 💭
Brady's favourite moment was the Conference League win 🏆
Now after 16 years, those supporters have got one of their wishes with the club confirming Brady has resigned.
Now Kretinsky has broken his silence as he joins Sullivan in reacting to the major West Ham exit.
The last time Hammers supporters heard from Kretinsky on club matters was a TV interview in his homeland in the summer of 2024.
At the time Kretinsky said he had no interest in selling his stake but also confirmed he had no plans for full ownership either.
West Ham fans have been sceptical about Kretinsky’s ambition beyond making a return on his £150m investment over the last four-and-a-half years.
Now his gushing praise of the wildly unpopular Brady is unlikely to sway those of that opinion as he raved about the job done by the Baroness.
Kretinsky fails to read the room as he praises Brady over Rice sale and stadium move
The co-owner showed a real lack of awareness over fan discontent by thanking Brady for the move to the London Stadium.
Kretinsky also bizarrely praised Brady for the £105m sale of Declan Rice to Arsenal, a transfer regarded since as being too cheap on both sides of the London divide.
BIG NEWS 👀 What is your immediate reaction?!
He even went as far as to suggest fans have not appreciated the job done by Brady in selling their crown jewel to a London rival.
“I want to thank Karren most sincerely for our collaboration since 2021 and for all the work she has done in the past for the Club,” Kretinsky said in a rare West Ham statement.
“Her contribution to West Ham United’s growth, such as the long-term contract for the London Stadium, shareholders transition and the British record transfer of Declan Rice, has been absolutely essential and not always fully appreciated.
“Karren is also very highly appreciated in the Premier League leadership community and was an excellent representative of our Club there. I wish her the best of luck in all future activities.”
Sullivan also had his say on Brady leaving, thanking her in a more brief statement.
“Karren has been an exceptional leader and a key figure in the Club’s development over the years,” Sullivan said.
“We wish her every success in her future endeavours and thank her for her outstanding contribution over the past 16 years.”
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