West Ham investor Daniel Kretinsky has opened up on his vision for West Ham going forward and what the Hammers fans can expect in the January transfer window.
The Czech billionaire took a 27% stake in the Hammers earlier in the month and in doing so, became a board member at the club.
Kretinsky has a long term view of where he wants West Ham to go but the billionaire stressed that his investment is at first part of a move to reduce debt rather than provide David Moyes a significant transfer kitty in January.
“Our investment will bring a positive improvement to the club’s capital structure, initially enabling a reduction of its long-term debt and increasing the ability to further direct funds generated into key areas. I hope our business acumen and experience of football will also prove beneficial to West Ham United,” Kretinsky told the Evening Standard.
Read More
Related Articles
Read More
Related Articles
“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. I’m hugely impressed by the work of David Moyes and his team who have improved results over a long period of time.
“This 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.
“I speak from experience. We tried to rush the development of Sparta Prague a couple of years ago and the results were disappointing. Improving the quality of the squad is great, of course, but we prefer a gradual way that preserves and protects the ethos of the club and its values, including team spirit.”
Kretinsky went on to say that he hopes the club continues to produce academy stars as they have done so successfully in the past.
“Success demands that the focus should be just as much on the academy as on the first-team squad. Again, the world-renowned academy was a great attraction of West Ham,” he added.
Savings are available today from sports retailer Kitbag.
The online store is getting a leap on the competition ahead of Black Friday, which this year lands on November 26.
Along with official kits and merchandise from clubs in the Premier League, Kitbag also sells products from top sides in leading leagues across the world including La Liga, Serie A, and the Bundesliga.
Click here to check out the Kitbag website and use the code BAG35 at checkout.
This article contains affiliate links, we may receive a commission on any sales we generate from it.Learn more
The new investor also stressed his opposition to the formation of a European Super League and highlighted his admiration for the English fans protests against such a league.
Kretinsky said: “The way English football fans stood up against the proposed European Super League was inspirational. It showed the best league in the world is based on an understanding of the true value of football.
“The Hammers’ 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.
“I understand that the move to London Stadium was initially difficult for some, but the atmosphere is incredible. I’ve had the chance to experience it at first hand — at the Leicester City and Liverpool games – and both days were memorable.”
https://www.football.london/west-ham-united-fc/news/daniel-kretinsky-west-ham-transfer-22272773
