West Ham are waiting to announce the appointment of Steve Nickson as the club’s director of football and it appears Newcastle are behind the delay.
It is all change at West Ham after Czech billionaire Daniel Kretinsky became majority owner in the wake of Karren Brady and David Sullivan resigning.
One of Kretinsky’s first acts as Hammers chief has been to lure Newcastle United’s head of recruitment Steve Nickson to east London.
Newcastle fans are furious at losing ‘jewel in the crown’ talent spotter Nickson to West Ham if the reaction on social media is anything to go by.
Newcastle behind hold-up on West Ham’s Nickson announcement
Magpies supporters have been telling their Hammers counterparts the club has pulled off a major coup.
It’s easy to see why as four world stars Nickson wanted at Newcastle before they were famous came to light ahead of his switch to West Ham.
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West Ham fans have been hugely encouraged by Kretinsky’s plans and statements of intent since he took charge.
Seeing the club make an ambitious move for an elite recruitment boss like Nickson has impressed the Hammers faithful.
Supporters have been waiting for an official announcement about the appointment.
But it seems we now know why there has been a delay.
Because Newcastle have made an absurd Nickson request ahead of his West Ham switch.
According to Newcastle reporter Craig Hope, the Magpies are working to replace Nickson with an external appointment.
Newcastle want Nickson to join West Ham after summer window
Many Magpies fans were up in arms that Eddie Howe’s nephew Alan may be promoted to fill the void.
Hope has confirmed Nickson has told Newcastle he is leaving for a Championship job – which Hammers News revealed was West Ham earlier this week.
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According to Daily Mail reporter Hope, talks are ongoing over the terms of Nickson’s departure and Newcastle want him to work until the end of the summer transfer window before leaving.
That’s despite senior Toon figures telling Hope that they are relaxed over Nickson’s decision to move to West Ham while claiming their summer transfer work will be unaffected by his exit.
That last line sums up what many Newcastle fans are saying about their club, that Nickson has effectively been taken for granted and is under-appreciated.
By offering him a promotion to a director of football role, West Ham clearly recognise Nickson’s talent.
Newcastle telling Hope that Nickson’s departure does not impact them as much as some fans believe also does not add up.
If that is the case then why are the Magpies so desperate for him to see out the summer window with them?
That request is ludicrous given West Ham very much want and need Nickson on board for one of the most important rebuilds in the club’s modern history as they eye an instant return to the Premier League.
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