​West Ham billionaire shareholder Kretinsky: We won't spend big in January | OneFootball

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Tribal Football

·26 November 2021

​West Ham billionaire shareholder Kretinsky: We won't spend big in January

Article image:​West Ham billionaire shareholder Kretinsky: We won't spend big in January

West Ham United shareholder Daniel Kretinsky suggests there will be minimal January spending.

Kretinsky is a Czech Republic billionaire who recently bought a stake in the club.


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He now has a 27 percent stake in the Hammers, with his colleague Pavel Horsky now on the club's board of directors.

Kretinsky wrote in the Evening Standard: "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.

"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.

"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.

"Work with young players, as well as engagement with local communities and other social initiatives, are integral to football today. We have to use the power of our sport for the benefit of society.

"The ability of football to influence those from deprived or difficult backgrounds is unique. We have a duty to use that ability so I look forward to helping to expanding the good work in place at the club."

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