West Ham United Football Club is one of the oldest and most renowned clubs in English football. The club was founded in 1895 as Thames Ironworks FC and was rebranded as West Ham United FC in 1900. The club has a long and storied history, having won three FA Cups and one European Cup Winners' Cup. However, the club's ownership has been a topic of discussion in recent years, with many fans and pundits questioning who actually owns the club.
Currently, West Ham United FC is owned by David Sullivan, David Gold, and Albert "Tripp" Smith. The three businessmen acquired a controlling stake in the club in January 2010, after buying out the previous owner, Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson. Sullivan and Gold are the co-chairmen of the club, while Smith is a non-executive director. The trio has been heavily involved in the club's operations since their acquisition, overseeing everything from transfer policy to stadium redevelopment.
David Sullivan and David Gold are both well-known figures in English football. Sullivan was the co-owner of Birmingham City FC from 1993 to 2007, while Gold was the chairman of the same club from 1997 to 2009. Both men are experienced businessmen, having made their fortunes in the adult entertainment and sports retail industries, respectively. They have also been vocal supporters of the West Ham United FC, with Sullivan once describing the club as "the love of my life."
Albert "Tripp" Smith, on the other hand, is a less well-known figure. Smith is a partner at the American private equity firm, The Blackstone Group, and was brought in as a financial advisor to Sullivan and Gold during their acquisition of West Ham United FC. Smith has since become a non-executive director at the club and has been instrumental in the financing of the club's new stadium, the London Stadium.
The ownership of West Ham United FC has not been without controversy. Sullivan and Gold have been criticized for their handling of the club's finances, with some fans accusing them of prioritizing profits over the team's success on the pitch. The duo has also been accused of being too involved in team affairs, with some fans calling for them to step back and let the manager and players do their jobs.
Despite the criticism, Sullivan and Gold have overseen some notable successes at West Ham United FC. The club has enjoyed some impressive performances in recent years, finishing in the top ten of the Premier League in four of the last six seasons. They have also made some shrewd transfer acquisitions, such as the signing of midfielder Tomas Soucek, who has become a fan favorite at the club.
In addition to their on-field successes, Sullivan and Gold have also overseen the redevelopment of the club's stadium. In 2016, West Ham United FC moved from their traditional home, the Boleyn Ground, to the London Stadium, which was built for the 2012 Olympics. The move was controversial at the time, with some fans criticizing the lack of atmosphere at the new stadium. However, Sullivan and Gold have since made efforts to improve the matchday experience, such as the introduction of claret and blue pitch surround and increased investment in fan engagement.
In conclusion, West Ham United FC is currently owned by David Sullivan, David Gold, and Albert "Tripp" Smith. The trio has been heavily involved in the club's operations since their acquisition in 2010, overseeing everything from transfer policy to stadium redevelopment. While their ownership has not been without controversy, Sullivan and Gold have overseen some notable successes at the club in recent years, both on and off the pitch. With their continued support and investment, West Ham United FC looks set to remain a prominent figure in English football for years to come.
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