Alan Pardew has been sacked as West Ham manager after a string of defeats.

The decision was taken this morning by Hammers new chairman Eggert Magnusson and the club will seek to appoint a successor before the January transfer window.

West Ham said in a statement: "West Ham United have today announced the departure from the club of Alan Pardew.

"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 chairman, Mr Eggert Magnusson, and the board have been concerned by the performances of recent weeks and feel that it is the right time to make a change in the best interests of the club.

"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 ahead of the January transfer window.

"First-team coach Kevin Keen will take temporary charge of team affairs until a new appointment has been made. No further statements on this matter will be made by the club before that time."

The Hammers have lost five out of their last six Premiership matches including both games since Magnusson became chairman - a 4-0 at Bolton on Saturday which followed a 2-0 home defeat against Wigan.

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Who are the contenders for the Upton Park hotseat?

ALAN CURBISHLEY - West Ham might well be the job for which Curbishley has been waiting since he left Charlton at the end of last season. Equally, if the Hammers are looking for a man with Premiership experience who is available now and without the penalty of compensation, then he could prove the perfect fit. Being an ex-Hammer will not harm his chances.

SVEN-GORAN ERIKSSON - Said to be friendly with new Hammers chairman Eggert Magnusson through the latter’s UEFA connections. Out of work since leaving the England job so no compensation would need to be paid but his salary bill - thought to be around #4.5million with England - may be too high. On the plus side, the Football Association might cover his taxi fare for the interview.

CLAUDIO RANIERI - Another big name without a job. The Italian was sacked by Valencia in June, 2005, a year after he was paid off by Chelsea to make room for Jose Mourinho. Took Chelsea to the semi-finals of the Champions League and signed some of the players - including Joe Cole and Frank Lampard from West Ham - who continue to star at Stamford Bridge.

GLENN HODDLE - Left Wolves in July following a disagreement over transfer funds. A very experienced manager following spells in charge of England, Chelsea and Tottenham. However, he has lost a little sparkle as his last two jobs - at White Hart Lane and Molineux - have not been successes.

GRAEME SOUNESS - His time in charge of Newcastle was not a happy one. Although that makes him the rule rather than the exception, his stock in the public eye is low. However, his CV - including trophies with Liverpool, Blackburn, Rangers and Galatasaray - is more impressive than the likes of Iain Dowie and David O’Leary.