Title: The Root of the Rot: Why David Sullivan Must Shoulder the Blame for West Ham United’s Decline
For years, West Ham United has been a club that flirts with potential but never truly fulfills it. From fleeting European nights to domestic struggles, the team has become synonymous with inconsistency, confusion, and underachievement. Yet amid all the noise — the managerial changes, the player turnovers, the tactical reshuffles — one name stands above all as the common denominator: David Sullivan. As co-owner and principal decision-maker, Sullivan’s fingerprints are on every high and, more tellingly, every low the club has endured. If West Ham United are being thrashed week after week, it is not merely a failure of players or coaches — it is the legacy of poor leadership from the top.
Sullivan’s reign, stretching back to 2010, began with promises of ambition. Alongside David Gold and vice-chair Karren Brady, he sold fans a dream of transforming West Ham into a European regular. The move from Upton Park to the London Stadium in 2016 was pitched as a vital step toward that future — a new home that would bring new riches and elevate the club to the next level. Yet, nearly a decade later, the stadium feels more like a curse than a catalyst. The soul of West Ham — the fierce atmosphere, the connection to East London, the identity of a proud working-class club — has been diluted. The move was driven by financial logic, not footballing passion, and that single decision has symbolized Sullivan’s entire approach: business first, football second.
But stadium issues are only part of the problem. Sullivan’s hands-on approach to transfers has been disastrous. Despite often claiming he gives managers control, numerous reports and interviews suggest that he frequently interferes in recruitment, approving or vetoing signings based on personal preference rather than professional scouting. This meddling has led to a revolving door of misfits — players bought for name value or agent connections rather than tactical suitability. For every inspired signing like Jarrod Bowen, there have been a dozen failed experiments, from overpriced veterans to panic buys on deadline day. The result? Squads lacking balance, depth, and direction.
The managerial carousel under Sullivan further exposes the lack of long-term vision. From Avram Grant to Sam Allardyce, from Slaven Bilić to Manuel Pellegrini, and now with David Moyes (whose second stint has again shown the limits of Sullivan’s trust and patience), West Ham’s leadership has repeatedly lurched between philosophies. Each new coach has had to rebuild from chaos, inheriting mismatched squads and unrealistic expectations. There’s been no coherent plan — only reactions to pressure from fans, media, and the league table. In this environment, even talented managers have been set up to fail.
Then there’s the issue of communication — or rather, the lack of it. Sullivan’s public statements often create more harm than good. Whether through ill-timed interviews or tone-deaf comments, he has consistently alienated supporters and undermined his own staff. West Ham’s fanbase is among the most passionate in England, yet under Sullivan’s stewardship, trust has been repeatedly broken. Promises of investment and progress have too often been replaced by excuses and self-justification.
The current thrashings West Ham have suffered — the humiliations against mid-table sides, the defensive collapses, the visible lack of fight — are not simply about poor tactics or tired legs. They are symptoms of a club without direction. When leadership is confused, the players reflect that confusion on the pitch. When ambition is hollow, performances crumble under pressure. Sullivan’s governance has created an environment where mediocrity festers and accountability evaporates.
For West Ham United to rise again, change must start at the top. A new owner or at least a radical restructuring of how decisions are made is essential. The club needs football people making football decisions, not businessmen chasing short-term headlines or profits. The fans deserve a board that respects their loyalty, a manager who is supported rather than second-guessed, and a squad built with purpose rather than panic.
In truth, West Ham’s struggles are not bad luck — they are the natural outcome of years of mismanagement. Until David Sullivan steps aside or reforms his ways, every thrashing, every humiliation, every false dawn will trace back to him. The problem is not just on the pitch; it’s in the boardroom. And until that changes, the dream of a proud, competitive West Ham will remain just that — a dream.
