West Ham sack manager Pardew

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LONDON, England -- 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 Icelandic businessman Eggert Magnusson took over as chairman at Upton Park.

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.

A club statement said Magnusson and the board "had been concerned by the performances in recent weeks and felt it is the right time to make a change".

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.

Struggle

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 takeover of the club by Iranian businessman Kia Joorabchian and Israeli football agent Pini Zahavi.

But the Hammers board opted instead for an 85 million pound ($165.9 million) offer by a consortium led by Magnusson.

The club beat Sheffield United in the first match after the announcement, but three defeats have followed and with Magnusson taking full control last week Pardew's fate was sealed.

"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."

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