West Ham fans have been reassured about the appointment of Karim Virani as the interim replacement for vice-chair Karren Brady.
Hammers fans protesting against the club’s owners got one of their big wishes last week when Karren Brady suddenly resigned with immediate effect after 16 years.
Brady was wildly unpopular among West Ham supporters with her role in the move to the London Stadium chief among their grievances.
Now West Ham have announced they have appointed a replacement for Brady.
Fans reassured Virani is the right man for West Ham
And the news has raised eyebrows among some of the fanbase.
West Ham supporters have been calling for proven, high quality professionals to be appointed to key roles at the club such as the role vacated by Brady and a director of football position.
BREAKING NEWS! 🚨 How do you feel about West Ham appointing Karim Virani?
Virani joins as interim CEO following Karren Brady's exit…
On Wednesday, West Ham confirmed the appointment of Karim Virani as interim Chief Executive Officer.
Many fans have questioned whether Virani is the right hire by the Hammers given he counts Hashtag FC among his previous clubs.
Hashtag FC are a semi-professional football and esports club founded in 2016 by YouTuber – and West Ham fan – Spencer Owen.
Originally an online-focused exhibition team, it transitioned into real-world non-league football, with its men’s team competing in the 7th tier (Isthmian Premier).
But a popular West Ham staff member has reassured fans over the appointment of Virani.
Lifelong Hammers fanatic turned employee Chris Scull is the face of West Ham on matchdays.
Virani “gets it” about West Ham says popular club employee
He can be seen interviewing players and former stars on the London Stadium pitch among other things.
Scull is also the presenter of West Ham’s Iron Cast pod. And he has dismissed any fears Virani is not up to the job.
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“Honestly, this appointment is great,” Scull said on X in response to West Ham’s official announcement.
“I’ve worked with Karim and he’s brilliant; he’s strategic, he’s a grafter, he gets it. Come On You Irons.”
As a West Ham fan, Scull knows what his fellow Hammers want and expect.
So his comments will reassure supporters..
They could be taken as a dig at Brady, who was often accused by West Ham fans of not “getting it” or them during his tenure in east London.
Virani has worked for West Ham before having previously led the digital, marketing and commercial operation between 2015 and 2020.
West Ham have described him as a “highly respected and experienced figure within the professional game”.
“With a broad and established career across the sports, technology, financial services, telecommunications and broadcast sectors, he has held leadership positions at several global organisations and has a proven track record for delivering consistent and lasting commercial growth,” West Ham said in a statement.
The club’s board feel Virani is the ‘perfect’ appointment.
“He brings great experience, expertise, vision and leadership, along with a deep understanding and knowledge of West Ham United, making him the perfect candidate to lead the Club’s day-to-day operation during this interim period,” West Ham’s owners added.
While Scull is excited about Virani’s return, the man himself is feeling the same.
And his comments already suggest he certainly does “get” West Ham more than Brady ever did.
“I am proud and honoured to be returning to West Ham United, a Club I have a deep affinity and admiration for,” Virani said.
“This is a massive football club, with incredibly loyal and passionate supporters, a hugely talented and dedicated group of players, coaches and staff, a proud and unique heritage, and an ambition to be as successful as possible, both on and off the pitch.
“West Ham United is a club built on working-class values of hard work, honesty, commitment and togetherness – and those values must continue to be the bedrock of everything we do in the coming weeks and beyond.”
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