Ownership Limbo - Rumour Roundup

Numerous candyfloss rumours have been running around West Ham the past few days, since the crucial win against Everton, regarding the ownership of the club.

Some have been quick to suggest that David Sullivan is out the door entirely, whereas others believe he may INCREASE his stake in the club as Daniel Kretinsky attempts to gain further power.

Since Karen Brady stepped down after 16 years with the Hammers last week, it has ultimately set the fuse alight, and the long burn has begun as the season starts to close. It emerged that Kretinsky seemingly was fed up with having no power within the club and decided that he wanted a change - this sparked him wanting more percentage, and if he were to have a majority stake, he would’ve been able to hold the power over David Sullivan, allowing him to make decisions on his own accord.

David Sullivan might’ve felt threatened from his high horse and entered an agreement with Kretinsky that he doesn’t hold a majority stake, but that they both share an equal percentage, with the Czech billionaire holding the power over employees and other club higher-ups on a gentleman’s agreement rather than paper.

If an equal percentage between the two parties would occur, it would be through the purchase of the late David Gold’s shares.

However, an opposing opportunity that has proposed itself is a new owner… Amanda Staveley.

Rumours are speculating that IF Sullivan’s downfall is imminent, Amanda Staveley’s consortium could look to swoop shares and perhaps buy him out entirely - though that is speculated at this moment in time.

Amanda has had her share of success and has operated at the top levels of football. She played a major role in the Manchester City and Newcastle United takeovers and only brought success to where she’s been, and since selling her stake in Newcastle United, she has been on the hunt for another Premier League club.

At one point, Amanda Staveley was poised to be interested in Tottenham Hotspur, but the idea didn’t prosper into anything more than a rumour and since her interest has cooled, as a deal would be seen as difficult to complete in comparison to West Ham, where a stake could be there for the taking.

All ownership rumours will be up in the air, seeing as what League the Hammers will be in next season plays a significant part, but overall, it would be ludicrous to suggest that something isn’t ongoing behind the scenes.

Whilst the rumour roundup could be a pool of calm water, the sea tends to appear safe before the Tsunami hits.