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A former West Ham employee has shared some “clear” boardroom issues he saw during his time at the club, amid the ongoing protests surrounding Karren Brady and David Sullivan’s leadership.

West Ham fans have been increasingly vocal in their opposition to the club’s ownership under Brady and Sullivan, with discontent reaching new heights.

Supporter groups are so frustrated that they’re planning protests at every Saturday home game this season, aiming to make their voices heard loud and clear.

The root of the protest lies in fans’ growing frustration over what they see as mismanagement and broken promises by Brady and Sullivan. Many supporters feel the duo have prioritised profit over the club’s long-term success, failing to reinvest adequately in the squad and infrastructure.

West Ham’s results in the Premier League so far

Sunderland 3-0 West Ham

West Ham 1-5 Chelsea

Nottingham Forest 0-3 West Ham

West Ham 0-3 Tottenham

West Ham 1-2 Crystal Palace

Everton 1-1 West Ham

Arsenal 2-0 West Ham

West Ham 0-2 Brentford

Leeds 2-1 West Ham

Despite some initial optimism when they took over, the lack of consistent on-field progress, underwhelming recruitment strategy and no clear plan moving forward has undoubtedly escalated tensions to boiling point.

Just two years after West Ham won their first major trophy in decades, with David Moyes’ Hammers lifting the Conference League in 2023, the east Londoners find themselves battling relegation after conceding more goals than any other Premier League side.

Since Moyes’ departure, a host of managers in Julen Lopetegui, Graham Potter and now Nuno Espirito Santo have failed to transform their fortunes, with things looking very bleak at the London Stadium.

While reports suggest that West Ham are ready to spend in January as they look to save their season, the club’s precarious position can be majorly put down to some questionable decisions by Sullivan, Brady and co.

Former West Ham scout reveals "clear" boardroom issues he saw during his time at the club

Speaking to Football Insider, ex-West Ham senior scout Mick Brown, didn’t hold back in his criticism of the boardroom — saying their problems go all the way back to when he was employed by the Irons.

Given this is coming from someone who once worked for West Ham, it is evident that fans’ frustrations are entirely justified.

Now, Nuno is the latest under-fire boss to be tasked with getting the best out of this uninspired West Ham side, who’ve looked as poor of an outfit as we’ve seen this season.

January represents a major lifeline for the club as they reportedly target a new defender, midfielder and forward, but questions will be asked as to why they didn’t address these three positions properly in the summer.

Come the winter, it could even be a case of too little, too late.

Insider shares more "bad news" for West Ham as Nuno dealt "another injury blow"

West Indies bowled out for 141 in a session after Head, Webster and Carey combined to set up a match-winning lead with the bat

Andrew McGlashan27-Jun-20250:47

Hazlewood tears through West Indies’ top order

Josh Hazlewood led Australia’s surge to a 159-run victory in Barbados as West Indies lost all ten wickets in the final session of the third day, the final two falling in consecutive deliveries to Nathan Lyon in what would have been the last over of the day.Australia claimed the extra half-hour with West Indies seven down but with Shamar Joseph throwing the bat, having been dropped in the deep by Sam Konstas, and Justin Greaves playing solidly, it appeared Australia would be forced to return on the fourth day. However, Shamar edged to slip before Jayden Seales was caught at short leg to end the match. It completed a performance where familiar Australia strengths came to the fore amid continued questions about the top order, but they were confronted by challenging conditions.Travis Head, who was the beneficiary of West Indies’ seventh dropped catch of the match, Beau Webster and Alex Carey all played with the proactiveness needed on this surface. Head was named Player of the Match for his twin half-centuries on a tricky surface. Carey’s superb strokeplay gave Australia plenty of buffer zone when it came to defending the target, meaning a repeat of what happened in the World Test Championship final was always unlikely on a surface that remained devilish at times, especially with the harder ball.Related

Chase calls out 'so many questionable calls' in Barbados Test

However you get 'em – Head, Carey and Webster show the way

Mitchell Starc struck in the first over of the chase when former captain Kraigg Brathwaite clipped loosely to backward square0leg where Konstas held a low catch. However, that was followed by some adventurous strokeplay by John Campbell, including a sweep against Hazlewood, as he and Keacy Carty made encouraging process.But innovation brought Campbell’s downfall when he attempted to lap-sweep Hazlewood again, and this time could only glove the ball to Carey. Next ball, Brandon King got an inside edge into his pads which flew high towards gully where Cameron Green, who had earlier given Carty a life on 1, used all his height to cling on. Sadly for Hazlewood, he did not make Roston Chase play at the hat-trick delivery as a packed ring of catchers awaited.Not that he was delayed long when, two overs later, Chase got an inside edge that looped to short leg before spearing one through Carty. This was Hazlewood at his very best: hammering away at a back-of-a-length and giving the surface every chance to play some tricks.Pat Cummins was then the beneficiary of those tricks when Shai Hope was cleaned up by a wicked delivery that scuttled under his bat. The run-scoring of Australia’s middle order against an older ball felt a long time ago. The only question was whether the visitors could get the job done in the evening.Marnus Labuschagne, on as a sub, produced a direct hit to remove Alzarri Joseph and Hazlewood removed Jomel Warrican for his fifth wicket. Shamar Joseph launched two balls out of the stadium and some frustration was growing for Australia before Lyon sealed the job in fading light.Travis Head celebrates his second fifty in the match•Randy Brooks/Associated Press

The game was in the balance at the start of the day, Australia ahead by 82, with plenty of eyes on how the surface would play. There was an early grubber to Head, which fortunately for him wasn’t straight, and he responded by flaying the next delivery through the off side. As Head would later find out there was always something lurking, but with a touch of fortune, runs were there to be made when intent was shown.West Indies, though, were their own worst enemy again. On 21, Head was given a life when Greaves spilled a chance at second slip. It was the seventh they had put down for the game and had come after coach Daren Sammy had overseen the morning slips catching practice where nothing had been spilled. Head went to his second fifty of the match from 77 balls.Webster, meanwhile, built an excellent innings, the third of his brief Test career, which has come on a challenging surface following the debut half-century against India at the SCG. He used his reach to good effect to get to the ball but was especially eye-catching off the back foot through the off side.Travis Head and Beau Webster got the first century stand of the Test•Randy Brooks/Associated Press

The stand of 102 was broken when Head received a brute of a delivery from Shamar Joseph that barely bounced, the only success for West Indies in the morning session when they would have hoped to knock over most of the remaining Australia batting.After the break, Webster brought up his fifty from 100 balls with a thick edge along the ground through gully before glancing Shamar Joseph down the leg side to Hope. An on-field not-out decision was overturned by third umpire Adrian Holdstock without any of the drama of the previous day.By then Carey was into his stride after having started positively but went up a gear in the over following Webster’s departure when he took 14 off Seales including the shot of the match: a skip down the pitch and perfectly executed lofted straight drive into the sightscreen. He went on to repeat the stroke against the lesser pace of Greaves, sending him over the stands at long-off, to motor to a 40-ball half-century as the game sped away from West Indies.When joined by Lyon and Hazlewood, he started to farm the strike as West Indies set their entire field back to him before lofting Chase into the deep. Shamar Joseph, who bowled the most overs in a match of his brief Test career, removed Hazlewood to claim the five-wicket haul which eluded him in the first innings.

Manchester United captain Peter Schmeichel has urged Ruben Amorim to remove Bruno Fernandes from the captaincy role, as the former goalkeeper questioned the Portuguese midfielder's body language on the pitch. United are on a high following their brilliant win over rivals Liverpool in the Premier League last Sunday as the Red Devils picked up their first win at Anfield in almost a decade.

Man Utd's back-to-back wins in Premier League after difficult start

United picked up consecutive victories in the Premier League for the first time since Amorim took charge of the club in November 2024 as they beat Liverpool 2-1 last Sunday. They had collected a win at home to Sunderland just before the October international break. Bryan Mbeumo opened the scoring for the Red Devils with an early strike but Cody Gakpo brought the Reds back into the game after the break. However, Harry Maguire delivered the match-winning goal with a clinical header from Fernandes' pinpoint cross towards the end of the match.

Red Devils icon Schmeichel was highly impressed by Maguire's performance, who featured in the starting lineup only the third time in the league this season. The former goalkeeper even recommended Maguire to take back the club's captaincy as he urged Amorim to consider changing the leader of the side. 

AdvertisementGetty'I can’t praise him enough'

Speaking to at full-time at Anfield, Schmeichel said: "I can’t praise him enough. I want Harry Maguire to play every game. I want him to be the captain. He’s got all the attributes of a good Manchester United leader. He’s not the quickest, I’ll agree with that, and he’s got some trouble on the turn, but Man Utd have had defenders like that before. But what they always had next to them were quick players and that’s what we don’t have at the moment. I think he should be the number one defender and he can organise everybody. He talks to everybody and gives them confidence, and I think that is important. Somebody who stands out all the time and takes responsibility, because I think that has been a problem in this team."

Schmeichel questions Fernandes' body language

Speaking about current United skipper Fernandes, Schmeichel added: "I think Bruno is a fantastic player, plays maybe in the wrong position, but sometimes I don’t like his body language. I know he talks really well to all the players but somethimes he has reactions that can be mistaken for something else. Harry doesn’t have that, he has that calm head. I was saying during the game: Look at Harry, look at how he is telling everyone where to go and helping players. And there are a lot of players in this team that are so low on confidence that they need help. And then Harry plays and I’m so happy he scored that goal."

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Arsenal legend heaps praise on Maguire

Adding to Schmeichel's comments, former Gunners star Freddie Ljungberg further heaped praise on Maguire, as he said: "I always felt sorry for Maguire because the sh*t he had been getting in England had been horrible. I always felt for the man because he always takes it with dignity, and when he’s out on that pitch, he gives everything for Man United. Never complained about it, he just does his job and every game I see him, I want him to do well. A game like this, when they score so early and in the second half they can stand and defend that low block, for Maguire, that is perfect.

"Sometimes I feel they criticise him when they play a high line and he has to turn and run back. Yeah, that’s not his strength. But what the game looked like today, he was amazing."

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer could be set to return to Britain in a coaching role as Rangers have approached the Manchester United legend. Only a few days ago, Solskjaer's former assistant coach at Old Trafford, Michael Carrick was linked with the managerial job at Ibrox. The Scottish giants parted ways with Russell Martin after just two months of the 2025-26 campaign.

• Rangers contact Solskjaer over manager's role

  Rangers officials are said to have stepped up their efforts in a bid to bring in a new manager before the international break concludes and the action resumes in club football. The club had a nightmare start to their 2025-26 campaign as they managed to win just one game in their first seven outings under Martin. Ultimately, a 1-1 draw with Falkirk earlier this month proved to be the last straw for the club authorities as they sacked Martin, only months after his appointment as the head coach at Ibrox. Martin faced massive backlash from the fans during his brief stint in Glasgow as they even went public with their protest. During a Scottish League Cup quarter-final clash, fans visited Ibrox with banners, which read: "Russell out – worst manager in history." They also hurled balls onto the pitch, which led to a delay in the start of the game.

  Following Martin's sacking, the Rangers officials have been in search of a new head coach and according to , the club have approached ex-Manchester United boss Solskjaer and former Mainz manager Bo Svensson. Solskjaer, who has been without a job since August after being sacked by Besiktas, could return to Britain after holding talks with the Gers chiefs. 

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• Getty Images
  

  Carrick also linked with Ibrox gig

  Rangers officials have held talks with a number of managerial candidates in the past few days as they look to appoint a new manager at Ibrox before their season resumes. The reported last week that Solskjaer's former assistant coach at Old Trafford, Carrick, is also in the frame for the Rangers job. The 44-year-old was sacked from his first permanent managerial job at Middlesbrough in June this year. Carrick was appointed as Boro's head coach in 2022 and he immediately took the team up the table and secured a play-off place, only to see his team beaten in the semi-finals by a Coventry City team featuring Viktor Gyokeres. Middlesbrough narrowly missed out on a top six in the following two campaigns, leading to Carrick's dismissal ahead of the 2025-26 campaign.

  The report added that the Scottish side have also considered the names of Ipswich Town's Kieran McKenna and former Sheffield Wednesday head coach Danny Rohl, but Carrick is the one who stood out from their shortlist. 

• Gerrard was front-runner at one point

  Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard, at one point, was a firm favourite to return to Scotland and join Rangers for a second stint as their head coach. Gerrard, who has been without a job since parting ways with Al-Ettifaq in January, had previously managed the club and guided them to their last Scottish Premiership title in 2021. The former England star also had the backing of Gers legend Ally McCoist, who claimed in April that the England icon would be a perfect fit for the club. He had said: "It’s absolutely vital that his next job is the right one. It didn’t quite work out at Villa or in Saudi Arabia. It’s similar to Frank Lampard – his move to Coventry has been crucial in getting his managerial career back on track. Steven’s in that same position. His next step needs to be spot on."

  After being in advanced talks with Rangers, the 45-year-old eventually pulled out of the race as he felt that it was not the right time for him to return to management. Both parties, however, kept the door open for future negotiations.

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• AFP
  

  Scholes hinted Solskjaer in talks with Rangers

  While speaking on podcast this week, another United legend Paul Scholes had hinted that Solskjaer had held talks to take up the Rangers job. The former Red Devils midfield star said: "I was actually with a lad the other night who told me he was actually going to meet Rangers." Scholes, though, refused to comment when asked about the name of the candidate. 

After weeks of hunting for a new attacking midfielder, Thomas Frank looks finally about to land a new talent to his Tottenham Hotspur first-team squad.

Eberechi Eze and Morgan Gibbs-White were two players constantly on their radar, but ultimately, the Lilywhites missed out on the aforementioned duo for various reasons.

However, it may prove to be a blessing in disguise, after the hierarchy agreed a deal to land RB Leipzig talent Xavi Simons, despite the Dutchman previously agreeing terms with Chelsea.

It’s been reported that a €60m (£52m) deal has been agreed for the 22-year-old’s signature, with the youngster even completing his medical after travelling to North London yesterday.

Despite the agreement for Simons, it appears as though Frank and Co. aren’t done in this summer window, subsequently targeting other players before Monday’s transfer deadline.

Spurs’ hunt for new additions after Simons

Over the last couple of weeks, West Ham United star Lucas Paqueta has been strongly linked with a move to join Spurs – but no deal has yet been agreed for the Brazilian.

Talks have been held between the two clubs to try and reach an agreement, leading to the Hammers placing a £60m price tag on the 27-year-old’s head.

However, he’s not the only player who’s been on their radar during the summer window, with Leicester City star Bilal El Khannouss still in their sights, according to GIVEMESPORT.

They claim that Frank’s men could still make a move for the Moroccan, reporting that a late deal could be landed for the 21-year-old attacking midfielder on deadline day.

It also states that the manager and the staff behind the scenes are constantly monitoring his situation, with the youngster seen as a player who can add further quality to the current side – potentially being available for just £22m.

Why Spurs’ £22m transfer target is just like Paqueta

A deal for a star from West Ham may appear controversial, given the rivalry, but it wouldn’t be the first time this summer, after previously completing a deal for Mohammed Kudus.

The Ghanaian has already made an immediate impact in North London, registering two assists in his first two Premier League outings under new boss Frank.

Should they agree a deal for Paqueta, he would be the latest star from Graham Potter’s side to make the move, but it would be a huge investment given his £60m asking price.

The pending deal for Simons could potentially put such a move on the back burner, which could make El Khannouss a more cost-effective squad option for the 2025/26 campaign and beyond.

Whilst many supporters will raise their eyebrows at such a move, given the Foxes’ relegation last campaign, the Moroccan still managed to be labelled as a similar player to Paqueta by FBref.

When comparing his stats to those of the Brazilian from 2024/25, El Khannouss managed to outperform him in numerous key areas, potentially being a superb addition to the side this summer.

The Leicester star, who’s been labelled “exceptional” by analyst Ben Mattinson, registered more combined goals and assists, whilst also achieving a better shot on target rate in front of goal – a record that would hand the Lilywhites an added threat in the final third.

Games played

33

33

Goals & assists

6

4

Shot on target accuracy

23%

7%

Progressive passes

5.9

5.8

Key passes made

1.7

1.3

Shot-creating actions

3.2

3.1

Take-on success

57%

44%

Progressive carries

2.9

0.9

Carries into the final third

1.9

1.2

However, an attacking midfielder is mainly responsible for chance creation – something which the Moroccan demonstrated in abundance throughout 2024/25.

He bettered Paqueta for both key passes made per 90, whilst creating more shooting opportunities for his teammates, having all the tools to thrive behind the striker in North London.

El Khannouss’ talents with the ball at his feet are further reflected in his higher take-on success rate, subsequently taking the ball into the final third on more occasions in the Premier League last campaign.

There’s no denying that all the Spurs faithful are hugely focused on a deal to land Simons – and rightfully so given his mammoth transfer fee, which has seen him edge closer to completing his move.

However, El Khannouss would be an excellent backup to the Dutchman, with his potential late arrival handing Frank the added squad depth he’s been craving since taking the reins.

The new Eriksen: Spurs closing in on agreement to sign "world-class" star

Tottenham Hotspur could finally be about to land a new number ten for Thomas Frank this summer.

1 ByEthan Lamb Aug 28, 2025

Big Picture: The knockout before the knockout

The original Champions Trophy started as a knockout tournament so, as we build up to this year’s edition, here’s a bit of a throwback: Wednesday’s match between Pakistan and South Africa in the mini tri-series is a winner-takes-all affair, with New Zealand already through to Saturday’s final. It won’t be quite so do-or-die in the Champions Trophy, but groups of four mean that teams can only really afford one slip up from the outset, which makes this match excellent practice for both these sides.On recent form, Pakistan have the upper hand over South Africa, who they clean swept 3-0 in December on South African soil for the first time. The result must be caveated, with the disclaimer that South Africa were understrength, though Pakistan won’t (and shouldn’t) care about that.Related

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What they will be interested in is that South Africa are still hamstrung. They are without half of their Champions Trophy squad with Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Rassie van der Dussen, David Miller, Aiden Markram, Marco Jansen and Kagiso Rabada only due to arrive in Pakistan on the weekend.To make full use of any advantage, Pakistan’s batting will have to perform better, after they were dismissed for 252 by New Zealand on Saturday and lost nine wickets for 149 after getting off to a decent start. Their middle order will be under pressure but no more than South Africa’s bowling attack, which wasn’t unable to defend 304 and lacked bite in their tri-series opener. They have been reinforced by the pace of Corbin Bosch and Kwena Maphaka but will need to combine that with discipline to challenge for a place in the final.What’s at stake is more than just the trophy: the opportunity to have one more competitive match before the Champions Trophy starts, and for Pakistan, to have a dress rehearsal for the tournament opener. They play New Zealand on February 19 in Karachi so being able to face them five days earlier at the same venue will be an added bonus. South Africa also stay in Karachi for their first match against Afghanistan but before they think of that, they’ll want to break a losing streak that has lasted five matches.

Form guide: SA’s unwanted streak

Pakistan: LWWWW (last five completed matches, most recent first)
South Africa: LLLLLFakhar Zaman hit a quick fifty in the opening ODI of the tri-series•Associated Press

In the spotlight: Fakhar Zaman and Tabraiz Shamsi

After 15 months on the sidelines, Fakhar Zaman made his comeback with 84 off 69 balls and showed both the power and the pace to help Pakistan chase a big score. They didn’t get there, but the early signs from Fakhar are good. He was especially confident in taking on the short ball from Will O’Rourke in Lahore and was aggressive against New Zealand’s spinners. Bear in mind that Fakhar averaged 50.82 and scored four hundreds when he last played in 2023 and it seems like he has picked up where he left off. In Saim Ayub’s injury-enforced absence, Pakistan seemed to have found the perfect replacement. Now, it’s for Fakhar to show consistency.Tabraiz Shamsi has bowled 15 overs in four matches (across formats) and it’s been 15 overs since he last took a wicket. He had a quiet SA20 for Jo’burg Super Kings, but the time is coming for Shamsi to step up, especially as South Africa have gone into the Champions Trophy with just two specialist spinners despite at least two others being in good form. Bjorn Fortuin and George Linde had good SA20s and though they are usually sidelined because they can’t get past Keshav Maharaj, with a lot of white-ball cricket in the subcontinent in the next year, South Africa might be considering their options. Since Imran Tahir’s retirement in 2019, Shamsi has been South Africa’s premier attacking spinner and there’s no better time to show it than now.Haris Rauf walked off the field with a side strain in the opening ODI•Associated Press

Team news: Rauf unlikely to feature

Haris Rauf left the field after bowling 6.2 overs against New Zealand with a side strain and while it is deemed a low-grade injury, he will not be risked for this match. Mohammad Hasnain could play in his place. Pakistan may also consider a change in the batting line-up, with Saud Shakeel a possible replacement for Tayyab Tahir.Pakistan (possible): 1 Fakhar Zaman, 2 Babar Azam, 3 Kamran Ghulam, 4 Mohammad Rizwan (capt), 5 Salman Agha, 6 Tayyab Tahir/Saud Shakeel, 7 Khusdil Shah, 8 Shaheen Shah Afridi, 9 Naseem Shah, 10 Abrar Ahmed, 11 Mohammad HasnainTony de Zorzi and Corbin Bosch who are both in the Champions Trophy squad as well as 18-year left-arm quick Kwena Maphaka have joined the South African touring party and are available for selection. De Zorzi and Bosch both played in the SA20 final on Saturday but may be pulled into the XI, along with Heinrich Klaasen, as South Africa aim to push for a spot in the final. Don’t be surprised if Lungi Ngidi sits this one out, after bowling seven overs – his most since last October – as he continues to work towards full fitness. Maphaka could be selected in his place.South Africa (possible): 1 Temba Bavuma (capt), 2 Matthew Breetzke, 3 Tony de Zorzi, 4 Kyle Verreynne (wk), 5 Heinrich Klaasen, 6 Wiaan Mulder, 7 Senuran Muthusamy, 8 Corbin Bosch, 9 Keshav Maharaj, 10 Tabraiz Shamsi, 11 Kwena Maphaka

Pitch and conditions: Expect another high-scoring game

The series moves to Karachi, which last hosted an ODI in May 2023. Then, New New Zealand successfully defended 299 against Pakistan. In six ODIs here since January 2023, the average first-innings score has been 286 and the team batting first has won five out of those six games. That suggests another fairly high-scoring encounter but it may not be the pitch that’s most in focus. Like Lahore, Karachi has undergone significant upgrades ahead of the Champions Trophy including new dressing rooms and hospitality areas, an increased capacity of 5000, two new digital replay screens and 350 LED lights for improved broadcast coverage.

Stats and trivia

• South Africa have lost their last five ODIs, which puts them on their longest losing streak since 2004. They have previously lost ten matches in a row in 2004 and 1994.
• The last time Pakistan failed to make a tri-series final was the Morocco Cup in 2002, when South Africa and Sri Lanka competed for the trophy. Pakistan have since played in six other tri-series, but only won one: the Kitply Cup between themselves, Bangladesh and India in 2008. Pakistan beat India by 25 runs in the final.

Quotes</b"Tomorrow is obviously a big day for the series. We played Pakistan not too long ago, but obviously Pakistan in their conditions are a different beast, so I'm looking forward to that. We just got together today, basically the boys only arrived at 2 o'clock this morning. For the guys that are new to the squad, we've got to do a little bit of homework, we've got a nice day out to face these conditions and see what it is like. Obviously there's a bigger picture in mind as well. The ICC [Champions] trophy is also in play next week, so it's a good exercise for us. If we can knock them out and play in the final, and the home country is not involved, that will at least put a smile on my face."
Heinrich Klaasen explains the importance of what is effectively a semi-final