West Ham United have sensationally sacked manager Alan Pardew just one week after the head of the Icelandic consortium Eggert Magnusson took over as chairman and gave Pardew his support. It appears that the four nil drubbing at the hands of Bolton Wanderers was the straw that broke the camel’s back.

Pardew has had success at Upton Park getting the side promoted to the premiership and then taking the club to the FA Cup final last year only to lose on penalties in a dramatic finish.

The West Ham website says the following on the situation:

West Ham United have today announced the departure from the Club of Alan Pardew. ??Alan has made an important contribution since joining as manager in September 2003 but this season’s results have been disappointing and have left the Club in a very difficult position.
The Chairman, Mr Eggert Magnusson, and the Board have been concerned by the performances of recent weeks and feel that it is the right time to make a change in the best interests of the Club. ??Mr Magnusson and the Board would like to place on the record their thanks to Alan Pardew for his hard work and commitment and to wish him well for the future.
The search for a successor is now underway in order that a new manager can be in place ahead of the January transfer window.
First Team Coach Kevin Keen will take temporary charge of team affairs until a new appointment has been made. No further statements on this matter will be made by the Club before that time. (www.whufc.com)

There are a number of managers that are in the running for the position, Sven Goran-Eriksson has been at recent games to meet with the new chairman. Alan Curbishley will also be among the favourites, mainly due to his availability and the fact that he is and ex-hammer. Iain Dowie could also see West Ham as a route for him back to the big time following his dismissal from Charlton Athletic last month.