West Ham’s new dawn is already in danger

The re-emergence of Amanda Staveley as a potential revolutionary at West Ham United was a reminder of a fan banner spotted at St James’ Park during the post-Mike Ashley euphoria which swept Newcastle United almost five years ago: “Until Amanda I was never happy.” But West Ham fans may need to wait a while before the joy returns – as Staveley, the friendly face of the global corporatism which is now embedded within the day-to-day life of Britain’s leading football clubs, is front and centre of a new twist in the Hammers’ tale. Adapting to the Championship this season, the club’s attempts for a fuss-free, brief stay in the second tier is overshadowed by boardroom chicanery. It should spell and end to the perceived managed decline largely overseen by David Sullivan and the now departed Karren