Alan Pardew has been sacked as West Ham manager after a string
of defeats.
The decision was taken this morning by Hammers new chairman Eggert
Magnusson and the club will seek to appoint a successor before the
January transfer window.
West Ham said in a statement: "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 under way 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."
The Hammers have lost five out of their last six Premiership
matches including both games since Magnusson became chairman - a
4-0 at Bolton on Saturday which followed a 2-0 home defeat against
Wigan.
Magnusson had promised to keep faith with Pardew, and the pair had
held meetings about possible targets for the January transfer
window, but the club's slide into the bottom three caused alarm
bells to ring.
The chairman and Icelandic banking mogul Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson,
who provided most of the cash for the £85million takeover, were
both present at the defeat by Bolton.
The new owners have made contingency plans in the event of
relegation but the consortium's business plan was very much
targeted to West Ham remaining in the top flight and taking
advantage of the bumper new Premier League TV rights deal which
comes on stream next season.
West Ham is a good team with strong players.
Hope the players are not affected by the sacking.
