David Sullivan has addressed his resignation as West Ham’s joint-chairman and revealed whether he intends on returning to the club’s board in the future.
West Ham fans have been protesting for the removal of David Sullivan and Karren Brady all season long.
Brady suddenly left the Hammers in the thick of the battle for Premier League survival, just weeks after calling for everyone at the club to pull together to avoid relegation.
Disgruntled West Ham fans saw that as one down, one to go.
Sullivan clarifies whether he could return to West Ham board
Now Sullivan has followed Brady out of the London Stadium exit.
Just weeks ago Sullivan confirmed he was increasing his stake in West Ham to match Daniel Kretinsky’s move to buy up more shares, leaving both with a holding of over 40 per cent each.
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Now it is all change at the top with the club confirming Sullivan has stepped down with immediate effect and has also resigned as a director of both WH Holding Limited and West Ham United Football Club.
The Hammers have confirmed that interim Chief Executive Officer Karim Virani – who is reporting into the current board including Kretinsky, the Gold family and other minority stakeholders – will continue to be responsible for day-to-day operations.
West Ham have also pledged to provide fans with an update on the future structure of the Board of Directors in due course.
The news has left Hammers fans wondering whether Sullivan may return to the board in the future.
Especially as his sons Dave and Jack have positions of influence at the club.
Now in his own personal statement, Sullivan, now 77, appears to have confirmed his time at West Ham has come to an end for good.
Sullivan closes door on any potential West Ham return
Sullivan talks about having ‘memories he will cherish forever’ while also wishing the club well for the future in a 494-word statement that makes it clear the door is not open for a return.
“West Ham United has been one of the greatest passions and privileges of my life,” Sullivan said on the club’s official website.
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“I care deeply about the club, its supporters, its players, its staff, and its future…
“After very careful consideration and with a heavy heart, I have decided to resign as Joint-Chair and Director of West Ham United FC with immediate effect.
“This has been an incredibly painful decision to make, but it is one made out of love, respect, and responsibility toward a football club and a fan base that deserve absolute unity and focus moving forward.
“As I depart, I want to thank everyone connected with West Ham United, past and present, for the loyalty, friendship, memories and European adventures and successes that I will carry with me forever.
“West Ham United will always remain close to my heart, and I have total confidence that the Board of Directors and interim Chief Executive Officer Karim Virani will do everything they can to take the club forward in the right direction. I wish everyone connected with the club every success in the future.”
So there you have it West Ham fans, Sullivan’s 16-and-a-half-year tenure at the club he bought with David Gold in 2010 is officially at an end.
There will be no return to the West Ham board for Sullivan, as his statement makes abundantly clear.
Now it remains to be seen whether his sons will continue in his place or whether Sullivan will sell up.
While doubts remain over Kretinsky’s appetite for a full takeover, one party definitely interested in West Ham is Amanda Staveley’s US-backed consortium.
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