Pardew Sacked

The formidable challenge of surviving as a manager in the Premiership was brought into sharp focus today by the sacking of Alan Pardew on behalf of the new owners of West Ham United.

Pardew, who had been in charge at Upton Park since September 2003, had taken the club back to the Premiership and to one of the most memorable F.A. Cup finals of recent times, but a nightmare season has seen them plummet into the relegation zone with only 14 points from 17 games, with a 4-0 thrashing at the Reebok Stadium at the hands of Sam Allardyce’s Bolton Wanderers seen as the final straw.

Many people believe that the recruitment of Argentinian World Cup stars Tevez and Mascherano contributed to Pardew’s downfall, but the intense energy and commitment of Tevez in the last two games argues otherwise. Perhaps it was not so much the Argentinians, but the negative and defensive reaction of his own players (many of whom over-achieved last season) towards them that finally proved Pardew’s undoing – and if that is the case, some of them will come to regret their actions, particularly if the new manager proves less tolerant than his predecessor.

As for the future, the speculation is already mounting, with most Hammers fans praying for Alan Curbishley – especially as the name Sven Goran Eriksson has been mentioned in some quarters.

What do they want – a riot?