Former Birmingham City owners David Gold and David Sullivan have purchased 50 per cent of West Ham and will have operational and commercial control of the club.

Former Birmingham City owners David Gold and David Sullivan have purchased 50 per cent of West Ham and will have operational and commercial control of the club.

The East End duo, who are both lifelong West Ham fans bought their stake from from Straumur, who will continue to own the other half for now.

The deal values the club at �105m and Sullivan is delighted with purchase.

"I enjoyed running Birmingham City for 16-and-half years, but everyone there knew my true love was always West Ham United," he said.

"It will be an immense privilege to lead this great football club and more importantly its supporters.

"Our first priority has to be securing the Premier League status of West Ham. I believe the players at this club have shown great commitment in trying circumstances and the new board and I will get behind them in every way we can.

"We will also look to bring in new players to supplement the squad where needed once we have met with the manager."

Sullivan is officially the owner, and will be joint owner with Gold, while former Birmingham colleague Karen Brady will join the club as vice chairman.

"Our long-term aim will be to put the club on a stronger financial footing. I believe with our new board we have the expertise and experience to do just that and bring the good times back to this great football club," Sullivan added.

"West Ham United need stability after all the recent upheavals. We appointed four managers and parted company with two at Birmingham in 16 years. We believe in our managers and give them the time and support they need.