David Sullivan wants total West Ham United control as David Gold shares update emerges
West Ham United’s biggest shareholder David Sullivan has the option to take full control of the club, because he has first refusal on the shares belonging to the late David Gold, according to the Daily Mail.
This news comes after The Times journalist Martyn Ziegler [3 March] reported that Czech billionaire Daniel Kretinsky has put the full takeover of West Ham United on hold until Premier League safety is secured.
Sullivan owns 38.8% of the football club while Gold owns 25.1% and Kretinsky is responsible for 27%, with the Daily Mail [4 March, page 115] reporting that the Czech has the first option to buy Sullivan’s shares and second option on Gold, but only if they are willing to sell the club.
However, Sullivan who has the option to take full control reportedly won’t make a decision until the end of the season.
Uncertainty
There is so much uncertainty brewing at the top of the football club right now, as to who will take full charge of the club in terms of ownership. And that uncertainty is reflecting on matters on the pitch with the Hammers currently in a relegation dogfight.
However, the decision to wait until the end of the campaign is absolutely the correct one as the club right now needs full concentration on confirming their Premier League status for next season.
Managers simply can’t do their jobs properly if there is so much negative press and uncertainty surrounding those in the club hierarchy.
It’s incredibly important Sullivan and Kretinsky settle their ownership matters in the summer, but will that have an effect on the huge rebuild that is desperately needed at the London Stadium? Only time will tell.