ExWHUemployee: David Gold talks to sell shares could happen at West Ham United amid Daniel Kretinsky development
According to ExWHUemployee, West Ham chairman David Gold could sell some of his shares in the club, with Daniel Kretinsky interested in buying.
Gold has been the joint-chairman of West Ham since 2010 when he bought 50% of the club’s shares alongside business partner David Sullivan. The pair later extended their shares to 30% each.
However, after 12 years in charge of the club, ExWHUemployee states that Gold could be looking to sell some of his shares, with Czech businessman Daniel Kretinsky reportedly keen to invest further in the Hammers.
Kretinsky bought a 27% share in the club back in 2021 and The Guardian reported that an option was put in place for him to acquire Sullivan and Gold’s shares for a set price should he wish to complete a full takeover.
Via West Ham Way, Ex said: “Since he bought shares in the club, I believe that Kretinsky has always wanted to increase his overall share further and will explore opportunities to do so.
“There has been some previous suggestions that David Gold could be prepared to sell some more of his shares and I think talks could happen. There has been nothing confirmed on this but 2023 should be an interesting year to watch in terms of the ownership of our great club.”
Exciting times
After more than a decade of Gold and Sullivan, West Ham fans can finally get excited at the prospect of further investment and ownership.
The financial backing of Gold and Sullivan has been mediocre, but some of the sporting decisions made by the board have been laughable and new ownership provides the club with a clean slate to install a proper hierarchy.
The appointment of Mark Noble as a director is a step in the right direction. David Moyes inevitably needs help with the running of the club. Having a team of directors above the manager will relieve pressure over decisions such as contracts and transfers, allowing Moyes to solely focus on squad management and tactics.
As well as any boardroom changes, a new owner would mark a new era for West Ham as they look to truly settle at the London Stadium and start challenging for consistent European qualification.
Fresh investment will always help to make that dream a reality, and so far Kretinsky’s intentions seem sound.
As Ex says, perhaps 2023 can be a very interesting year for the Hammers.