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Daniel Kretinsky Discusses His Plans For West Ham

By James Sneddon

LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 30: A general view inside the stadium prior to the UEFA Europa League group H match between West Ham United and Rapid Wien at Olympic Stadium on September 30, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 30: A general view inside the stadium prior to the UEFA Europa League group H match between West Ham United and Rapid Wien at Olympic Stadium on September 30, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images) /
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West Ham United’s new shareholder Daniel Kretinsky has announced his strategy for the future.

The Czech billionaire has written an article to explain to West Ham fans how he intends to help financially, his plans for the club as well as describing how popular West Ham are in the Czech Republic.

He also praised the West Ham supporters as a driving factor in him wanting to invest in the East London club.

Daniel Kretinsky, has opened up about his ideas for West Ham and why he purchased 27% of the club.

LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 23: Vladimir Coufal and Tomas Soucek of West Ham and the Czech Republic in action during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Leicester City at The London Stadium on August 23, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 23: Vladimir Coufal and Tomas Soucek of West Ham and the Czech Republic in action during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Leicester City at The London Stadium on August 23, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images) /

Kretinsky is a prominent financial tycoon and successful lawyer in his homeland. The 46-year-old has built a reputation for being a strong investor. He owns large shares in American and British corporations such as Footlocker, Sainsbury’s and Royal Mail. He is also the co-owner of Czech club Sparta Prague and claims to be a lifelong Sparta fan.

Kretinsky, who has appointed business partner Pavel Horsky as a director, explained that West Ham started to build a connection with Czech football fans after goalkeeper Ludek Miklosko signed for the Hammers in 1990.

On top of the ever increasing Czech fan base West Ham have, he heavily praised supporters saying, “The fan base is one of the reasons why I wanted to become part of the club. West Ham supporters are among the most passionate and knowledgeable about their club and their football anywhere.”

He continued, “I understand that the move to London Stadium was initially difficult for some, but the atmosphere is incredible.”

Additionally, he emphasised the strong Czech culture in the club thanks to players Tomáš Souček, Vladimír Coufal and Alex Král. There is a further possibility that Kretinsky’s investment may lead to the signing of young Czech striker Adam Hložek who is believed to have been on West Ham’s radar for some time.

There has been suggestions that the new investment would increase the January transfer budget, especially as manager David Moyes and new Head of Recruitment Rob Newman are working on a shortlist of possible options. However, Kretinsky has stated that although he has praise for Moyes’ work, large funds will not be guaranteed for January.

LONDON, ENGLAND – APRIL 11: Jesse Lingard of West Ham United celebrates after scoring their team’s first goal during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Leicester City at London Stadium on April 11, 2021 in London, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by John Walton – Pool/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – APRIL 11: Jesse Lingard of West Ham United celebrates after scoring their team’s first goal during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Leicester City at London Stadium on April 11, 2021 in London, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by John Walton – Pool/Getty Images) /

This certainly does not rule out the return of Jesse Lingard, who is believed to be keen on a move back to West Ham for a rumoured £10 million fee.

“We have come to support the club but — so as to manage supporters’ expectations — that doesn’t mean big spending in the January transfer window.” Kretinsky said.

In the article, he claims he tried to rush the improvement of Sparta Prague, his ownership there has not gone entirely to plan. City rivals, Slavia, are the dominant force in the Czech Republic and have been for a few seasons now.

He added, “Gradual evolution is, in my opinion, the most healthy way to build a strong club on a firm basis and with the right attitudes and culture.”

Kretinsky also thanked co-chairmen David Sullivan and David Gold for the opportunity to be a part of West Ham. He is expected to attend games throughout this season, just as he did when he was in attendance for the 3-2 victory over Liverpool.

There have been rumours relating to the fact Kretinsky might buy out Gold and Sullivan and become the majority owner of West Ham. These rumours were not commented on by Kretinsky.

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