David Sullivan and David Gold could remain at West Ham even after any future takeover of the club, according to football finance expert Kieran Maguire...
What's the word?
The Irons are expected to secure fresh investment from Czech billionaire and Sparta Prague co-owner Daniel Kretinsky, who is in talks to take a minority share of 27%, as per The Athletic.
It's thought that this could see the 46-year-old take a majority stake in the future and would spell the 'beginning of the end' for the club's current ownership in this guise. However, Maguire believes that GSB would stick around in the boardroom even if that does come to fruition.
He told Football Insider this week: "You can see the benefits in respect of David Gold and David Sullivan. They both have huge affection for the club - from a nostalgia point of view, they might want to keep some ownership.
"I think they’d like to continue to be a presence in the West Ham boardroom.
"I anticipate that the club will be issuing some more shares, and Gold and Sullivan will transfer some of their shares.
"My understanding is the club will get a financial injection as well. If you’re putting in that amount of money, you’ll want a seat at the table. But I think it’s a case of being heard rather than being a dictator."
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Like a lingering smell
There would be very little benefit in Gold, Sullivan and Karren Brady remaining in any capacity at the London Stadium, should the Hammers get taken over by Kretinsky - or anyone else in the future.
The ownership trio have regularly faced backlash from the club's fanbase over their tenure, leading to numerous demonstrations, marches, protests, chants and much, much more.
West Ham may be flying high in fourth place, competing in the Europa League and looking on the up under David Moyes, but that doesn't excuse the ineptitude in the boardroom, and many fans will not forget the years before this either.
If they were to stick around after any takeover, then much of the Irons faithful will surely be concerned and quite angry by their potential involvement when the east Londoners should be continuing to progress under a new and exciting era.
Therefore, this latest claim should be enough to leave fans fearful of what might lie ahead - whilst plenty will be getting their desire of promising new owners, it seems as if they may never truly be rid of GSB.
Only time will tell.
AND in other news, West Ham fans will surely love this latest Daniel Kretinsky claim...