 West Ham sack manager Pardew
West Ham manager Alan Pardew was sacked on Monday after a string of poor results which have left the east London club in the Premier League relegation zone.
Pardew goes just a week after the club's new owner, Icelandic businessman Eggert Magnusson, took over as chairman.
His departure follows a sorry display by the Hammers in a 4-0 defeat at Bolton on Saturday which came hard on the heels of a 2-0 home loss to Wigan.
The club issued a statement saying it had decided "to make a change in the best interests of the club."
West Ham said first team coach Kevin Keen would take temporary charge until a new appointment is made.
"The search for a successor is now underway in order that a new manager can be in place ahead of the January transfer window," added the statement.
Former West Ham player and Charlton manager Alan Curbishley has been installed as the early favorite by bookmakers to take over at Upton Park, but former England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson is also being mentoned as a possible contender.
Pardew, who took over at West Ham in October 2003 after an acrimonious departure from Reading, took West Ham into the Premier League last season after winning promotion via the playoffs.
They proceeded to perform above expectations, finishing ninth in the Premier League and reaching the FA Cup final.
Their defeat on penalties after a thrilling 3-3 draw after extra time earned West Ham a place in the UEFA Cup.
But this season has proved a struggle with an early exit to Italian club Palermo in the UEFA Cup and disappointing league form which sees them lanquishing in 18th spot out of 20 with only Charlton and Watford below.
His departure follows a season of turmoil at a club renowned for its stability.
The early season arrival of Argentine internationals Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano came as a surprise and Pardew had difficulty fitting them into the line-up that gained such success the previous season.
Their arrival appeared linked to an impending take over of the club by Iranian businessman Kia Joorabchian and Israeli football agent Pini Zahavi, but the Hammers board opted instead for an offer from Icelandic businessman Magnusson.  | 
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