IN THE END it was inevitable. Just over a week after the takeover by David Gold and David Sullivan, chief executive Scott Duxbury has stepped down. Sullivan had been quick to praise the efforts of the former club lawyer in keeping the club afloat, even sh

IN THE END it was inevitable. Just over a week after the takeover by David Gold and David Sullivan, chief executive Scott Duxbury has stepped down.

Sullivan had been quick to praise the efforts of the former club lawyer in keeping the club afloat, even shouting across to him at a press conference that his job was safe, but with the arrival of Karren Brady as vice-chairman and the new owners attempting to make swingeing cuts, his time was always likely to be short.

Duxbury has presided over some of the most difficult times in the club's recent history. He helped organise the transfers of Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano in 2006, a controversial move that was eventually to cost West Ham a fine of �5.5million and an expensive losing tribunal against Sheffield United.

He instigated the West Ham project at Upton Park after being appointed as chief executive by Eggert Magnusson, and was behind the Hammers becoming one of the first Premier League clubs to install electronic perimeter advertising hoardings.

He also instigated a possible move to a new stadium close to West Ham tube station as well as the appointment of current boss Gianfranco Zola, in what can only be described as a rollercoaster time at the club.

"I am proud of my work at West Ham United, but feel the time is right for me to pursue other opportunities," he said. "Thank you to all the supporters who have kept faith with the club through good and bad times.