A recent report has provided an intriguing insight into West Ham’s current ownership and the job they’ve done so far.

For years, there was borderline hatred from West Ham fans toward their board. “GSB out” reached number 1 on Twitter’s trending page a number of times, but what really is the history of the Hammers current ownership? Fortunately, CITYAM has been able to provide us with a comprehensive analysis.

There are four main owners that own a sizable chunk of the club: David Sullivan owns 38.8%, Daniel Kretinsky owns 27%, the Gold family has 25.1% (though Vanessa has announced that they are willing to sell 10%) and Albert Tripp Smith owns 8.0%. Contrary to popular belief Karen Brady is a director and not a major shareholder. 

Back in 2008, Bjorgolfur Gundmundsson owned the Hammers but was forced to sell after the Icelandic financial crisis that year to CB Holding investment group. In 2010 Sullivan and Gold bought 50% of the club they support, with CB Holding having 10% by 2013. Then, in 2017, Tripp Smith purchased his share and, finally, Kretinsky got his in 2021.

Despite the turmoil, West Ham have mostly been moving in the right direction under the current ownership, peaking over the last few years.

Their decision to leave Upton Park to move to the London Stadium is still despised by a large majority of the fanbase but, in fairness, they said it would bring success to East London and it has. It may have taken a while, but the Irons have had three consecutive seasons of European football, as well as a major European trophy to show for it.

Understandably, they remain controversial figures but no one can say the board have not put their money where their mouth is. Hopefully they can continue to build on the recent success they have enjoyed in order to keep this club competing at the very top.