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While a takeover is the dream for large swathes of West Ham United supporters, Simon Jordan cannot see the logic in David Sullivan potentially putting the club up for sale when their Premier League status is under threat.
Speculation over the Hammers’ behind-the-scenes future ramped up on Tuesday morning when it was confirmed that vice-chair Karren Brady is leaving after 16 years of service.
Brady has worked closely with West Ham United chairman David Sullivan for the best part of four decades. The sudden nature of her departure, then, will inevitably lead some to wonder if this could herald the beginning of a long-awaited London Stadium handover.
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Simon Jordan doubts potential West Ham United takeover after Karren Brady exit
Co-owner Daniel Kretinsky paid tribute to the departing Brady, but there are no suggestions at this stage that the Czech billionaire is looking to increase his 27 per cent stake. If Kretinsky is not the answer, then former Crystal Palace chairman Simon Jordan is none the wiser about what the future may hold for the Hammers boardroom.
“The worst time Sullivan can sell West Ham is now! The value, if they drop out of the Premier League, will drop through the floor,” Jordan tells talkSPORT before turning to Kretinsky, who purchased the parent company of the Royal Mail for over £3 billion last year.
Photo credit should read THOMAS SAMSON/AFP via Getty Images
“It’s about who wants to buy West Ham. I always thought the Czech billionaire who is ‘ballsing up’ the Royal Mail was going to be the guy that would eventually own West Ham.
“I’m not surprised the time has come now [for Brady to leave]. It’s been toxic for some time. And now, coupled with the toxicity, is a declining team.”
As Brady is not a shareholder at West Ham, Jordan adds that ‘from an equity point of view, [the ownership structure] remains as it was’.
And as former Aston Villa CEO Christian Purslow recently explained, via the Football Boardroom podcast, West Ham are not as attractive a proposition now as they were when Kretinsky joined the board in 2021.
From regulars in the latter stages of the Europa League to perennial ‘top six’ challengers, West Ham are now only two points above the relegation zone with five matchdays remaining.
What legacy will Karren Brady leave behind at West Ham? 💭
Brady’s favourite moment was the Conference League win 🏆
Credit: Photo by LEON NEAL/AFP via Getty Images Jordan does not understand why David Sullivan remains
Tuesday’s stalemate at Selhurst Park was the scene for yet more scathing chants aimed in the direction of David Sullivan, leaving Jordan wondering why on earth the 77-year-old has not looked for an out already.
“If I’m David Sullivan, what is the point of being West Ham chairman?” Jordan wonders.
“You do it because you want to be successful, you want it to be a reflection of your ambitions, and you love the sport, you love the football club. In fairness to Sullivan, I think a lot of that is true.
“But [the fans] don’t love him in return. They loathe him. So why would you continue to stay there? Your life is worth living. He’s getting into his late 70s, and perhaps it’s water off a duck’s back; he has the hide of a rhino, David.
“But what is the purpose of being at West Ham when all you get is criticised? Even when you win, you lose. Even when you win the Conference League and you take charge of the Declan Rice situation, you are vilified. [The owners] are held responsible for everything.
“I’m surprised he wants to be there.”
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