After years of fan protests, the West Ham United faithful finally had a wish come true; Karen Brady has stepped down from her role as vice-chair.
Brady said on West Ham's official website, "It has been a privilege to work alongside the Board, management, players, staff and supporters at West Ham United. Together we have achieved remarkable milestones, but the highlight for me will always be lifting the UEFA Europa Conference League trophy - a moment that will stay with me forever. I am deeply grateful for the relationships, challenges and opportunities that have shaped my time at the Club."
The Europa Conference League triumph was one highlight during Brady's 16-year tenure at the club. However, many fans will not forgive her for the move to the London Stadium. She promised a "world-class stadium with a world-class team." However, the reality of the move from Upton Park has been anything but that.
The stadium is for athletics, and not soccer. The Hammers even had to play their first three games of the 2017/18 season away from home due to the Athletics World Championships. Supporters are so far away from the pitch, which has been unable to replicate the intimidating atmosphere of Upton Park.
Karen Brady will not be remembered fondly by West Ham fans
Brady was appointed vice-chair of West Ham in 2010, having worked with the then-new joint chairman David Sullivan and David Gold when they had Birmingham City. The Hammers were relegated at the end of the 2010/11 season, but bounced straight back up the following campaign.
West Ham have been an established Premier League club since, but have flirted with relegation on more than one occasion. Their place in the division for next season is still not secured despite a recent upturn in results.
Recruitment has often been poor; the club failed to strengthen for their first season at the London Stadium, which set the tone for an unhappy period at the new ground. Following the decision to part ways with David Moyes for a second season, Julen Lopetegui was the wrong appointment, and money was splashed on players who turned out to be flops. Brady does not deserve the blame for all of this, as the then technical director, Tim Steidten, must also take responsibility. However, it all came during Brady's time at the club.
The Hammers have been recovering from the mistakes made since Moyes' successful spells at the club. Brady's decision to leave now rather than at the end of the season is strange. However, the abuse she would likely receive at the London Stadium if the Hammers do go down would be volatile.
There was never going to be a big send-off for Brady due to her unpopularity amongst Hammers fans. A statement on the club's website announcing her departure is appropriate enough.
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