Forty-Forty Between Two

West Ham fans have been rather vocal about their dismissal of all members from the initial GSB Out campaign, and as time passes, now only one remains. David Sullivan. The phrase ‘fish rots from the head’ ultimately summarises the situation at West Ham United, but recent speculation has seen that David Sullivan has actually INCREASED his stake in the club, which would heavily criticise what Hammers fans have gunned for, but ultimately, it could symbolise the beginning of the end.

But why is this positive? David Sullivan is rumoured to have increased his stake to 40% buying out shares of the late David Gold, but he has also been matched by Daniel Kretinsky, who has increased his stake from 27% to 40%, giving him now ‘equal power’ within the club.

David Sullivan has officially ‘given up’ his power. The idea of matching rights puts the idea of ‘power’ up in the air. Whilst some may believe that David Sullivan still has decision power, which he of course still will, it is believed that Kretinsky will hold the majority of it, making the decisions behind the scenes and in charge of hiring a boardroom, which he has done previously with many other companies of his before, taking a ‘majority’ stake in the club allowing him to decide who is in the back room and who isn’t, to make his business investment successful.

Kretinsky tends to buy a small stake in his investment before a major takeover, but in this instance, he has purchased a stake near the majority, but not entirely. The reason for this? David Sullivan has handed the reins over to Kretinsky, which was one of the handful of reasons as to why Karen Brady left her position not too long ago after 16 years.

There is a reason behind the madness.

The matching rights are the crucial factor for the time being. This ‘equality’ within the club now forces an EQUAL financial interjection to be placed into the club SHOULD one be made.

For example, if Daniel Kretinsky decides that he wants to put £50m into the club this summer, David Sullivan would have to match him with no questions asked. It is still unlikely that Kretinsky will throw money at the problem as it hasn’t gotten to that stage yet, but whether the Hammers stay in the Premier League or not, the solution of selling players will ultimately be the answer.

This temporary solution of going 40/40 may not be ideal long-term, but for the time being, it is what West Ham needs to stay afloat.

Kretinsky is a winner - money has little value to a man of his stature. It is the pride that drives him forward in his career. Whilst his investment might appear doom and gloom considering where we were when he initially bought the club, he certainly isn’t leaving us to drown, given that he wants more cake…

A sign of positivity to come.