16th May 2011 | Football
Avram Grant Sacked
After parting company with Avram Grant, West Ham are looking for a manager to bring them straight back from the Championship.
Three second half goals from Wigan were a triple blow to West Ham. They lost the game, their Premier League status and their manager. After one hour adjusting to life in the Championship, the Upton Park hierarchy parted company with Avram Grant. The search for his successor has already started with the bookmakers.
Current favourite is Steve McClaren at 11/10 with Victor Chandler. The former England manager had been 20/1 for the post 24 hours ago but a flood of bets has seen his price shorten across the board.
Second favourite is ex-Newcastle boss Chris Hughton at 9/1, with former Premier League manager Sam Allardyce close behind at 12/1. Having been linked with the role in January, Martin O’Neill is 16/1 to take the reins at Upton Park, although the prospect of Championship football might not be enticing.
Further down the betting, the highly rated Sean O’Driscoll stands out at 20/1. Three years experience in the second tier of English football could make him the ideal candidate.
Despite relegation and the possible departure of playing staff, West Ham have been installed as early 7/1 favourites to win the Championship next season.
Odds correct at time of publishing: 09:50 16th May, 2011 but subject to change
