A Golden era

David Gold & David Sullivan are expected to be confirmed as the new joint owners of West Ham United, finally ending months of speculation.

Reports tonight suggests that the deal is on the verge of being rubber-stamped with a formal statement set to confirm the change of ownership to follow later this morning (Tuesday) - although the Intermarket-led consortium still claim to be in the running.

Although details of the deal remain sketchy at present it is thought that Gold & Sullivan would, as previously reported, take a majority 51% stake in the club, leaving CB Holding with the remaining 49% - a situation that has not exactly been welcomed by supporters desperate to see the end of the Icelandic influence that briefly threatened the club's very existence.

However with the former Birmingham City owners holding the majority share they would have full control of the club and it's finances - and hopefully a January transfer budget for Gianfranco Zola with which to boost his under-strength squad.

Zola, who has become increasingly disillusioned with life at the club in recent months is set to remain as the club's manager under Gold & Sullivan - despite earlier reports to the contrary.

The Italian is thought to have preferred Malaysian businessman Tony Fernandes' bid - the pair met on several occasions in recent weeks - but will also be relieved that former colleague Massimo Cellino failed with his eleventh-hour offer. Zola would almost have certainly left the club had Cellino won the day.

Current CEO Scott Duxbury, who has held the fort almost single-handedly as West Ham lurched from one disaster to another in recent months is set to be replaced by Karren Brady, who worked alongside Gold & Sullivan at Birmingham for several years.

It is unknown at this stage whether Duxbury would be handed another post by the new owners or simply dismissed. Nick Igoe, the club's long-standing Finance Director is also thought to be under threat, as is Gianluca Nani - whilst current non-executive Chairman Andrew Bernhardt is likely to remain on the club's board in some capacity.