There has been speculation that Karren Brady is on the verge of leaving West Ham after 15 years as vice-chair.
It was claimed that Karren Brady is ‘more powerful than ever’ in the new West Ham setup last month.
Amid speculation Dan Ashworth could replace Tim Steidten, journalist Graeme Bailey revealed Brady’s increasing Hammers influence.
“And as you can imagine she won’t want to give that up anytime soon,” Bailey said.
Journalist claimed Brady ‘more powerful than ever at West Ham’
So it has been somewhat surprising to hear talk that Brady might be on her way out of the London Stadium.
It is fair to say Baroness Brady has never been the most popular figure among West Ham fans.
From infamously referring to supporters as “customers” to broken promises over the big move from Upton Park to the London Stadium – which she declared was the ‘most successful stadium migration ever’.
It must be said, though, Brady has done a superb job turning around West Ham’s financial situation since arriving in 2010.
That cuts little ice with most supporters, among whom The Apprentice star has few advocates.
Back in 2022, it was reported Brady was close to departing West Ham for a return to Birmingham City.
There have been some murmurings in the corridors of power at the London Stadium of late.
City AM had claimed there were changes afoot beind the scenes at West Ham, but that has since proved false.
West Ham respond to claims Brady is on the verge of leaving
Nathan Thompson has now been appointed as an executive director at the London Stadium.
Thompson has been responsible for leading the club’s commercial operations over the last few years.
It was reported by a site quoting a football finance expert that the Hammers may be looking to replace Brady with Thompson.
Now West Ham have responded to claims Brady is on the verge of leaving after 15 years.
Sean Whetstone counts Brady and majority owner David Sullivan among his West Ham contacts.
He has spoken to a ‘senior club source’ – likely Sullivan himself – to clarify the situation.
And for those supporters who have often protested for Brady and the owners to leave, it will be very unwelcome news indeed.
Whetstone says reports that Brady could be replaced by Hammers Chief Commercial Officer Thompson have been dismissed by a club insider.
It has been confirmed that Thompson has indeed been appointed to the West Ham Football operating board as an executive director after being appointed CCO in 2022.
But Whetstone says his source ‘laughed off’ talk Brady is on her way out, revealing the polar opposite is true.
Hammers ‘laugh off’ Brady claims with huge counter-claim
“I don’t think Karren is going anywhere for a long time!” the source, likely Sullivan, told Whetstone.
The Baroness and co were forced into a major U-turn over concessions and ticket prices recently.
Brady also addressed a plea for West Ham to remove a fan wall that is killing the atmosphere at the London Stadium.
Those who are not particular fans of Brady may see this update as negative news.
But in reality, people of Brady’s experience in football are hard to find.
And with PSR set to restrict West Ham to spend what they raise, perhaps it will be a good thing Brady is around to keep the books in check.
After all, Steidten proved other directors in football can be reckless when spending money that isn’t theirs.
Brady herself certainly seems to be very much enjoying life at West Ham if her pre-Wolves social media post is anything to go by.
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