West Ham board split on Nuno's future, with Kretinsky said to be backing manager

West Ham’s board is split on whether Nuno Espirito Santo should remain after relegation from the Premier League. Nuno was brought in for crisis talks, and a decision is expected before the end of the week. Daniel Kretinsky, the club’s second-largest shareholder, wants Nuno to stay, while David Sullivan is less certain. Kretinsky has plans to increase his stake and match Sullivan’s control, and both co-owners are positioned to buy part of the Gold family’s 25.1% share, potentially reshaping board power. Relegation is expected to affect the value of these deals. Sullivan has been influential for 16 years, has faced criticism for the club’s decline, and is involved in rebuilding plans. Nuno’s contract includes a clause allowing dismissal without compensation, and he can also choose to leave, with his willingness to manage in the Championship influencing the outcome. Potential replacements include Scott Parker, Slaven Bilic, and Gary O’Neil.

"West Ham's board are split on Nuno Espirito Santo's future, opening the possibility of the manager staying after relegation from the Premier League. Nuno was called in for crisis talks on Monday and a decision is expected before the end of the week. It remains likely West Ham will part company with the Portuguese, although the situation is not as straightforward as first appeared."

"A source said that Daniel Kretinsky, the Czech billionaire and the club's second-largest shareholder, wants Nuno to stay. David Sullivan, the largest shareholder, is said to be less sure. Kretinsky has a deal lined up to increase his stake and match Sullivan's control of the club. The co-owners are each poised to buy a portion of the Gold family's 25.1% stake, which would leave them sharing power in the boardroom."

"It is thought relegation will affect the value of the deal. Sullivan has been the most influential figure at West Ham for 16 years but has been blamed for the team's slide into the Championship and faced abuse from supporters during last Sunday's win over Leeds. One source said there was a 50-50 chance of Sullivan deciding to sell up after relegation. But the 77-year-old's involvement in talks with Nuno suggests he intends to stay."

"Nuno was hired on a three-year deal after replacing Graham Potter last September. The contract contained a clause that allows West Ham to sack the 52-year-old without paying compensation. Nuno is also free to walk away, and his desire to stay and manage in the Championship will be a factor in the decision over his future. Scott Parker, Slaven Bilic and Gary O'Neil are potential replacements."

Read at www.theguardian.com