Steve Nickson is risking the wrath of new West Ham chief Daniel Kretinsky after agreeing to join the club as director of football.
When you and your business empire are worth between £8-13bn, you are used to getting what you want.
So new West Ham chief Daniel Kretinsky will be furious with the way the situation is developing in his move for former Newcastle head of recruitment Steve Nickson.
Nickson risks Kretinsky wrath after agreeing West Ham switch
One of Kretinsky’s first acts as West Ham’s new majority owner has been to make a move to bring Newcastle United’s head of recruitment Nickson to the London Stadium.
Newcastle supporters fumed at losing ‘jewel in the crown’ talent spotter Nickson to West Ham after the news emerged on social media.
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Magpies fans have been telling their West Ham counterparts their club had pulled off a major coup.
But supporters have been waiting for an official announcement about the appointment, which is yet to arrive.
The delay appeared to come from Newcastle wanting Nickson to see out the summer window before joining West Ham.
It was claimed Nickson may not even move to the Hammers with Championship rivals Wrexham also interested.
Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth reassured West Ham fans after that shocking Nickson twist, revealing the club still hoped to announce his arrival and that they have other options if it does not transpire.
Nickson said yes to West Ham move but now it’s in doubt
Now Nickson is risking the wrath of ‘Czech Sphinx’ Kretinsky after he agreed to join West Ham.
According to Sun journalist Jack Rosser, a West Ham fan who used to report on the club for The Evening Standard, Nickson had told Kretinsky he would become his director of football for a new era in east London.
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But Rosser has revealed Nickson has since dragged his heels, meaning the appointment is not only yet to be finalised but is now ‘in doubt’.
Other candidates being considered by the Hammers are Kieran Scott of Middlesbrough and Jason Ayto, who has left Brighton.
Nickson identified a host of world stars for Newcastle before they became well known and was responsible for some of the club’s best recruitment during his 15 years at the club.
Landing Nickson would be a real statement of intent from West Ham and Kretinsky.
The Hammers will hope it may still happen but Kretinsky will not take kindly to being messed around, regardless of Nickson’s reputation as an elite talent spotter.
Whether the Czech business tycoon turns his back on the move as a result remains to be seen.
But with the transfer window open and the Hammers needing a big overhaul to be ready for a gruelling Championship title tilt, time is of the essence.
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