A prominent West Ham fan group has urged caution over a new era for the club with all eyes on what David Sullivan does next.
West Ham fans have been protesting against the ownership all season, specifically targeting majority owner David Sullivan and vice-chair Karren Brady.
Those Hammers supporters got their wish regarding Brady when the widely unpopular Baroness resigned after 16 years this week.
Speculation has been rife 77-year-old Sullivan could be next to depart.
Cautious optimism over whether West Ham are on verge of new era
But Sullivan suggested the opposite is true when confirming his West Ham position exclusively to Hammers News in the wake of Brady’s exit.
Sullivan revealed he is buying more West Ham shares from the Gold family, as is Daniel Kretinsky.
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There has been claim and counterclaim about the rationale behind Sullivan increasing his stake.
On the face of it, Sullivan looks set to stay by buying more of the Hammers.
There is a theory, though, that Sullivan is merely increasing his stake to make it more attractive and valuable when he comes to sell in the near future.
That is what many Hammers fans who want the current majority owner gone are clinging onto.
But Sullivan’s next move will reveal truth about new West Ham era says prominent fan group Hammers United.
In a statement about the situation at the club following Brady’s exit, Hammers United – who have been leading the protests against the owners – are cautious as to whether Sullivan follows suit.
Doubts whether Sullivan will follow Brady out of West Ham exit
“There will be speculation about timing and wider noise around the ownership on social media and on the terraces,” Hammers United said in a statement titled ‘Beginning of the end’.
“For many West Ham supporters however, the judgment on Karren Brady was delivered years ago…
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“For plenty of West Ham supporters this week, her legacy is fit only for tomorrow’s chip paper.
“This era will not be remembered for its spin or vanity. It will be remembered for a hasty exit in an hour of need, the damage done to the bond between club and supporters and for those who stood up and fought for West Ham United.
“All eyes now turn to the next move, the next change and whether this really is the beginning of the end.
“Long Live West Ham.”
Sullivan is planning to bring his ownership up to over 40 per cent to match Kretinsky’s.
There has long been talk the Hammers were preparing for a takeover.
But as chief negotiator, that would have been handled by Brady – making her sudden exit somewhat telling in that regard.
It may be Sullivan has no intention of standing down.
It has notably been confirmed in the past that Sullivan wants his sons to succeed him at West Ham.
Dave junior and Jack Sullivan have positions of influence on the board currently.
If West Ham remain in the Premier League, Sullivan will be able to command a higher fee if he does sell.
But if the Hammers drop into the Championship, that figure would take a huge hit.
That in itself may well dictate Sullivan’s next move – but many fans are yet to be convinced the billionaire will be leaving anytime soon.
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