West Ham United have sacked manager Alan Pardew after they suffered their fifth defeat in six league games at Bolton Wanderers on Saturday.

First-team coach Kevin Keen will take temporary charge of team affairs until a successor is appointed - the likes of Alan Curbishley and Sven-Goran Eriksson have been linked with the job.

Pardew, who took over the Upton Park hotseat two years ago, guided the Hammers back to the Premiership two years ago.

Much was expected of the east Londoners after they reached last season's FA Cup Final, but after beating Charlton Athletic 3-1 on the opening day of the campaign, they have imploded.

West Ham, who were knocked out of the Carling Cup at League One Chesterfield, have not won on the road in the league since March and find themselves 18th in the table, two points adrift of Sheffield United and Blackburn Rovers.

New chairman Icelandic businessman Eggert Magnusson, whose consortium wrested control of the club last month, has seen Wigan and Bolton both consign the Hammers to defeats.

The east Londoners said on their website: "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."

ITV News

Man United`s defeat to the Hammers by 1-0 yesterday has dented the title race hopes of the Red Devils:-

Team Pld Pts
Man Utd 18 44
Chelsea 18 42
Liverpool 18 31
Arsenal 18 30
Bolton 18 30
Portsmouth 18 29
Tottenham 18 28
Reading 18 26
Aston Villa 18 25
Everton 18 24
Wigan 18 22
Newcastle 18 22
Man City 18 20
Sheff Utd 18 20
Fulham 17 20
Blackburn 17 19
M'brough 17 17
West Ham 18 17
Charlton 18 12
Watford