One of the country’s leading football journalists claims Daniel Kretinsky has jaw-dropping plans for West Ham – but has called on the Czech billionaire to break his silence and reveal them to fans.
Martin Samuel is not only one of the most prominent football journalists in the country, he is also a lifelong West Ham fan who is well connected at his boyhood club.
When Samuel brings news from the Hammers, it is usually worth sitting up and taking notice.
And his detailed update on the situation will excite and frustrate West Ham fans in equal measure.
Kretinsky has big plans for West Ham, says top journalist
Because Samuel claims Daniel Kretinsky has jaw-dropping plans for West Ham but is calling on the secretive Czech billionaire co-owner to end his silence and unveil them to supporters.
All West Ham eyes are on Kretinsky right now following the resignation of David Sullivan.
How do you feel NOW about a full Daniel Kretinsky takeover? 💰
Sullivan out at all costs? Or has the Czech ship sailed?
While he remains the majority owner with a 38.8 per cent share, it has been claimed Sullivan is now open to selling his West Ham stake.
Even if he elects not to, it is claimed Sullivan could be forced to sell his West Ham stake by the football regulator.
Kretinsky’s exciting West Ham masterplan was supposedly leaked in the wake of Sullivan’s resignation.
The energy tycoon is renowned for avoiding the limelight and public glare.
And when he has been pressed on the situation at the club, both recently and in the past, Kretinsky has been coy on his West Ham intentions.
According to Samuel, though, Kretinsky does want to buy Sullivan out and has seriously exciting plans if and when he does.
Plans that started with retaining head coach Nuno Espirito Santo and include buying the London Stadium as well as keeping top players despite relegation
Kretinsky wants to buy London Stadium and pay off UK Athletics
But Samuel says Kretinsky owes it to West Ham fans to communicate his plans to them with uncertainty swirling around the club ahead of a season where nothing but automatic promotion will be acceptable.
“In the Czech Republic he has a sphinx-like reputation for being impossible to read, but not even Kretinsky can keep his counsel on this one,” Samuel says in The Times.
What would you say if Sullivan put West Ham up for sale TODAY?
Let us know in the comments…
“Kretinsky cannot keep his head down much longer. He will be expected to speak, and expected to act. A decision must be made…
“Those who know Kretinsky say that, ideally, he would majority own West Ham. No Sullivan, no significant other. It is said he has big plans, too. Maybe retaining Nuno Espírito Santo was the first.
“Certainly the head coach looked to be going, even in the weeks before the season ended in relegation to the Championship. Kretinsky was Nuno’s only supporter of significance on the board. That Nuno remains therefore suggests Kretinsky’s growing influence.
“He also has designs on the London Stadium and a bold plan to retain key players despite reduced circumstances. His ideas for the club would certainly win favour with supporters after the demise of an unpopular regime. Yet all depends on securing Sullivan’s shares.”
Samuel goes on to claim that Kretinsky is so serious about owning the London Stadium outright, he wants to buy out UK Athletics, which is short of funds and could be offered the redeveloped Crystal Palace stadium as an alternative.
Whether Samuel is right about Kretinsky’s plans and intentions remains to be seen.
One thing he has got spot on, though, is the call for the Royal Mail owner to make his plans clear to fans, players and staff – and quickly.
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