Amanda Staveley told to abandon West Ham bid and buy a different EFL club

Amanda Staveley has been urged to reconsider buying shares in West Ham United amid a potential power struggle at the club.

The former Newcastle United director has agreed a £150million deal to buy a 25.1 per cent stake from the Gold family.

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However, with existing shareholders having first refusal, Czech billionaire Daniel Kretinsky is attempting to block her investment.

He instead plans to purchase the Gold family’s shares himself having reduced his ownership from 27 per cent to less than 25 per cent.

By remaining below 50 per cent in shares, Kretinsky will avoid being forced to buy David Sullivan’s 38.8 per cent stake at an inflated price.

Even if Staveley’s purchase goes through, Kretinsky would look to prevent her from joining the Hammers board.

Staveley previously brokered the Saudi Private Investment Fund’s takeover of Newcastle United in 2021.

However, she left St. James’ Park in 2024 following three years with the club.

Look elsewhere

Peterborough United chairman Darragh MacAnthony has now advised Staveley to look at buying another London club instead.

Amid the uncertainty surrounding her West Ham bid, he has urged the 53-year-old to invest in Charlton Athletic.

Joining Alex Crook live on talkSPORT on Tuesday, MacAnthony explained: “I don’t know why she wants to get involved in all of that. If she wants to buy in and get a club, go down the road to Charlton.

“I know it’s not West Ham, West Ham’s Stadium and all of that, but why would you want a quarter of a club and then have all that drama about not having a say, not getting on the board potentially, being at each other’s throats from day one? West Ham fans don’t need that.”

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He continued: “I don’t know about the matching rights because the problem she’s going to have is that since he’s got matching rights to take those shares from the Gold family and he’s got matching rights to stop (David) Sullivan selling to A, B or C.

“Well then this guy’s a very wealthy guy. I don’t know why he hasn’t done it. I don’t know why there hasn’t been a deal done.”

Charlton latest

Charlton are currently owned by SE7 Partners, who bought the club in 2023.

However, the group have put the club up for sale this month following three years as owners.

The Addicks are currently preparing for their second season in the Championship following promotion in 2025.

Nathan Jones’ side finished 19th in the second-tier on their return last season.

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Charlton are set to face West Ham at the London Stadium on Saturday, August 22 in their second match of the season.

The Hammers will play Championship football for the first time in 14 years this term after their relegation in May.