West Ham United are heading to the Championship after being relegated from the Premier League. This comes despite their win over Leeds. It is not yet three full years since an estimated 70,000 fans acclaimed West Ham’s squad after they won the Europa Conference League trophy, beating Fiorentina 2-1 in Prague.
The club’s exit from the Premier League after 14 years has brought criticism from fans, and uncertainty for the future. Hours after relegation, a club statement said they had not been good enough and must face the consequences.
Fan Frustrations and Sullivan’s Record
West Ham were always up against it in Sunday’s final game against Leeds. They needed to win and hope Everton won at Tottenham to stay up. Fans directed angry chants towards chairman David Sullivan after West Ham took the lead against Leeds.
Sullivan can draw on positive experiences when it comes to plotting an immediate top-flight return. He did it twice at Birmingham, in 2007 and 2009, and again with West Ham in 2012.
On the first two occasions, at St Andrew’s, Sullivan rewarded the managers who presided over relegation – Steve Bruce and Alex McLeish – by sticking with them. At West Ham, he brought in Sam Allardyce, who guided the club back to the Premier League via the play-offs.
Changes in Ownership and Finances
This is a different West Ham, though. Sullivan no longer has his long-time business partner David Gold, who died in January 2023. Gold’s daughter Vanessa owns 25.1% of the club, US businessman Tripp Smith has an 8% stake, while Royal Mail owner Daniel Kretinsky is in the process of matching Sullivan’s 38.8% by buying some of Gold’s. Sullivan’s long-time and trusted vice-chair Karren Brady stepped down in April. Karim Virani has taken over as chief executive.
- Vanessa Gold owns 25.1% of the club.
- Tripp Smith has an 8% stake.
- Daniel Kretinsky is in the process of matching Sullivan’s 38.8% stake.
There are financial concerns. West Ham recorded a loss of £104m in their latest accounts to 31 May 2025 and are heading for another hefty loss this year, according to sources.
Relegation’s Silver Lining
Ironically, a reduction in the amount West Ham must pay to play at the 62,500 arena in Stratford is one of the benefits of relegation. London Mayor Sadiq Khan estimates the saving at £2.5m.
In the scheme of things, it is a drop in the ocean.
West Ham captain Jarrod Bowen faces a tough decision over his future.
The plain truth is that the club has not been good enough. They must now face the consequences of that failure with honesty, transparency and a determination to repair, refocus and rebuild.