What happens now at relegated West Ham?

West Ham were always up against it going in Sunday's final game against Leeds in which they needed to win and hope Everton won at Tottenham if they were to stay up. Consequently there was an air of acceptance of their fate among the fans in the hours before kick-off, as they instead opted to enjoy the blistering heat rather than mull over a campaign of disappointment. But the frustrations came after West Ham took the lead against Leeds midway through the second half, as fans directed angry chants towards chairman Sullivan, who many blame for West Ham 's current plight. In terms of where West Ham find themselves now, though, he can call on positive experiences when it comes to plotting an immediate top-flight return. He did it twice during his time at Birmingham, in 2007 and 2009, and again with West Ham in 2012. On the first two occasions, at St Andrew's, Sullivan was rewarded for sticking with the managers who presided over relegation - Steve Bruce and Alex McLeish. At West Ham , he brought in Sam Allardyce, who guided the club back to the Premier League via the play-offs. This is a different West Ham , though. Sullivan no longer has his long-time business partner David Gold, who died in January 2023. Gold's daughter Vanessa owns 25.1% of the club, US businessman Tripp Smith has an 8% stake, while Royal Mail owner Daniel Kretinsky is in the process of matching Sullivan's 38.8% by buying some of Gold's. Sullivan's long-time and trusted vice-chair Karren Brady quit in April. …