West Ham hope to appoint British manager
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.West Ham expect to appoint a British manager to replace Avram Grant, co-owner David Sullivan has claimed, ruling out a potential return to Upton Park for fans favourite Paolo di Canio.
The Hammers' relegation from the Barclays Premier League was confirmed on Sunday after they squandered a 2-0 lead at fellow strugglers Wigan to lose 3-2.
West Ham wasted no time in removing Grant, the Israeli dismissed within an hour of the final whistle at the DW Stadium.
Yesterday, former England manager Steve McClaren ruled himself out of the running, while the likes of Martin O'Neill, whom the board tried to appoint in January, Sam Allardyce, Chris Hughton, Malky Mackay and Roberto di Matteo have all been linked with the vacancy.
Sullivan, however, suggested a move for another foreign coach was unlikely.
He told Sky Sports News: "I think we will definitely get an English manager, or a British manager.
"We do need someone who understands the culture and if you get someone with a knowledge of the East End that's so much better.
"We will wait to see who applies and wait to see what happens generally, but it will be resolved within two weeks, I should think."
Sullivan admitted the appointment of former Chelsea and Portsmouth manager Grant last summer following the dismissal of Gianfranco Zola was a "bad selection" by the board.
While di Canio, who achieved cult status during a four year spell with the Irons from 1999 to 2003 and has a lounge named after him at Upton Park, would certainly be a popular move with supporters, Sullivan believes the 42-year-old Italian's lack of coaching experience would make it difficult to justify ahead of life back in the npower Championship.
"The problem with Paolo is, although the fans would love it, I am being realistic and he has no experience whatsoever being a manager," Sullivan added.
"If you look at first-season managers the failure rate is enormous.
"If he had done a season anywhere and was, say, top of Serie B in Italy with a team, I would take the chance.
"My heart would say Paolo and the fans would say Paolo - but with someone who's a complete novice as a manager, with no experience, you just can't go with it."
Relegation is set to hit West Ham hard financially, but Sullivan maintains he and co-owner David Gold, both life-long fans, would inject more cash to keep the club afloat.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments