• Premier League

West Ham begin search for new manager

Harry Harris, ESPNsoccernet
May 16, 2011
Avram Grant was sacked immediately after West Ham's defeat to Wigan © Getty Images
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West Ham have no idea who will replace sacked boss Avram Grant as the club face the reality of Championship football next season and are waiting to see which applicants for the position come forward before drawing up a shortlist.

Grant was sacked just minutes after West Ham's capitulation from 2-0 up to lose against Wigan 3-2 in a must-win game for their survival hopes on Sunday. A number of potential targets have emerged, including Martin O'Neill, Chris Hughton and Alan Curbishley, however the club want to consider all their options before they begin planning their return to the top flight.

A West Ham insider told ESPNsoccernet: "We'll replace Avram Grant with a winner. We'll see who applies. There is nobody in the frame."

The Hammers would certainly like to re-visit the option of Martin O'Neill after he came close to joining the club in January. O'Neill had agreed in principle to move to Upton Park at the start of the year but a leak of the imminent appointment put O'Neill off, and he backtracked.

When pressed on their interest in O'Neill, a Hammers insider told ESPNsoccernet: "The club would have no idea whether Martin O'Neill would want to manage the club now we are in the Championship."

Therefore Hughton, a Hammers fan in his youth, is the current favourite after managing Newcastle United to promotion on a shoestring budget last season.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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