West Ham United sacked manager Alan Pardew on Monday after a poor run of results left the club third from bottom in the Premier League.
A club statement said Icelandic chairperson Eggert Magnusson and the board ”had been concerned by the performances in recent weeks and felt it is the right time to make a change”.
Pardew replaced Glenn Roeder in October 2003 after an acrimonious split from Reading. He steered West Ham to ninth place in the Premier League and the FA Cup final last season, having secured promotion via the play-offs in 2005.
Their second season back in the top flight has proved a huge disappointment, however, and Saturday’s 4-0 thumping at Bolton Wanderers was their fifth defeat in six league games, leaving them two points adrift of the safety zone.
Earlier in the season, West Ham lost eight matches in a row in all competitions, a run that included an early exit from the Uefa Cup before the group stages and a humiliating League Cup defeat by third division Chesterfield.
”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 club statement said.
”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 for the January transfer window.”
West Ham agreed to an £85-million takeover by an Icelandic consortium headed by Magnusson on November 21, a deal that appeared to strengthen Pardew’s position.
The club beat Sheffield United in the first match after the announcement, but an away defeat at Everton, followed by a home loss to Wigan Athletic and Saturday’s dismal performance at Bolton has changed the mood from one of optimism to gloom.
West Ham have just 14 points from 17 matches and have managed only four wins, all at home. They have not scored in their last seven league matches away from Upton Park. — Reuters