Yet, this being West Ham, the situation is not quite so straightforward.
Uncertainty remains over the intentions of Amanda Staveley. It was the former Newcastle director’s deal with former co-chair Vanessa Gold in July that triggered the pre-emption rights process at West Ham which eventually led to the deal that not only sees Kretinsky and Sullivan increase their stakes, but also fellow shareholders Tripp Smith and Terry Brown.
In theory, if Staveley agreed a deal with Sullivan and Smith, who will have 11%, she would own over half the club.
Yet that would also be subject to pre-emption rights.
Sullivan talks positively about Kretinsky privately and is unhappy the recent process diverted attention away from the transfer window. His words do not seem to be those of someone about to create even more turmoil at the London Stadium.
But some fans are wary.
“It seemed Sullivan was going when he stepped down, but that hasn’t happened,” said Simon Lane, a Hammers season ticket holder from north Wales, who stopped for a chat 90 minutes before kick-off.
“No-one really knows what to make of it all. Does he want more shares? Does he want to get out? Why would he do a deal with Kretinsky and then sell the whole thing?
“It’s difficult to know what is for the best really. Some fans do like what Amanda Staveley did at Newcastle but Kretinsky puts the right people in place and Karim is talking with fans, which is what we have wanted.
“I am optimistic for the season though.”
In Bowen, Engels and others, West Ham have class few Championship rivals can match.
Nuno knows a successful club needs more than that.
Stability and unity are not words often used about West Ham in recent years. But Nuno can see the path to a bright future.
“I hope it’s better,” he said. “I think it’s the belief of everybody, starting from the ownership to the staff, to the players, and fans, that we are trying to improve and have better days.
“What I see, and feel is unity in all the departments of the club. Five thousand fans on a Tuesday night. (What happened in the past) is behind us. It’s very important to be unified. There is no other way.”
