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The First Lady of Football is stepping down
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After 16 years as the Vice Chair of West Ham United, Baroness Karen Brady has confirmed she's leaving the London Stadium
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This isn't just a football story, it's a seismic shift in the business of the Premier League
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Brady has been the ultimate power player, bridging the gap between the boardroom, the dugout and the House of Lords
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Her legacy? It's complicated. She was the lead architect of the move from the beloved Upton Park to the iconic London Stadium
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a deal some fans have never forgiven the club for. Under her watch, the club secured a record British player transfer of Declan Rice and navigated a 40-year professional partnership with joint chair David Sullivan
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But it wasn't all just transfers and stadiums. Brady has been a critic of the new independent football regulator, calling it terrible for the game's competitiveness
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She argued that government interference could stifle the very risks that allow clubs like West Ham to compete in Europe
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Now, as she exits, that battle continues without her. The timing is critical. West Ham is currently battling relegation and fans will be divided on what a post-Brady boardroom actually looks like
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Daniel Kratinsky, the club's co-chair, noted that her contribution to the club's growth was essential and not always fully appreciated
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Could he take over the club fully? Whether you love the move to the Olympic Park or miss the grit of the bowling ground, there is no denying Karen Brady transformed West Ham
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What's your verdict on the Brady era? Let us know in the comments. For more City news, head to cityam.com
