West Ham are in crisis - but David Sullivan's exit could signal start of brand-new era

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Relegation, deep uncertainty, the inevitability of losing the most talented players, and the challenge of meeting financial regulations - this is crisis time for West Ham United, make no mistake about that.

But there is a bottom line Hammers supporters can celebrate. If David Sullivan’s resignation as co-chairman is the beginning of the end of his association with the club, it will be the best news the fans have had for a long time. On every level.

And you can say that before the allegations that prompted him to step down are made public very shortly. But, of course, Sullivan has only stepped down from his position. He is still the club’s majority shareholder. And that means a fiendishly difficult period in the club’s history lies ahead.

The standard issues faced by clubs relegated from the Premier League are exacerbated by the power vacuum at the London Stadium. Those who would suggest a power vacuum is better than having Sullivan call the shots are spot-on.

But decisions still need to be made. And who is going to make them is unclear. Which is why the appointment of a Director of Football - or whatever title you care to give him or her - is urgent.

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On top of the to-do list is decide who will be sold, because sales are inevitable, and necessary to comply with financial rules. Jarrod Bowen is not among the players who face a 50 percent pay cut because of relegation but will surely want to stay in the Premier League.

Getting top dollar for him and for Mateus Fernandes is essential. There have been eyebrows raised at the suggestion West Ham would want a fee in the region of £80million for Fernandes but players of his ilk, in his position, should be going for that amount.

Crysencio Summerville and a raft of others look likely to leave as well. The calibre of departing players - and the number - mean it will be the most important transfer window in recent times for West Ham.

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And they have not exactly got a great track record when it comes to doing good business in transfer windows. But if Nuno Espírito Santo now has a much bigger say in who comes and who goes, that can be a positive thing.

Let’s face it, the Portuguese manager is nothing if not well-connected. And, presumably, he will have a big say in the identity of the new Director of Football.

The restructuring of the squad is going to be a complex business but Nuno has always come across as a coach who is adept at handling matters away from the training ground.

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In the long term, the West Ham fanbase can look forward to the day Sullivan is no longer a shareholder and when Daniel Kretinsky, presumably, becomes the majority shareholder.

In that case, time will tell if the Czech billionaire, who currently has a 27 percent stake in West Ham, proves to be a good football club owner. But he has to be better than Sullivan.

And despite the difficult times that lie ahead, that is a fact that will keep optimism alive amongst supporters of West Ham United.