Martin O’Neill Will Not Step In At West Ham, But Who Will?

According to BBC, Martin O’Neill has removed himself from the running in West Ham United’s race to sign a new manager, with the general belief being that he simply hadn’t had enough time to consider his options. BBC 5 Live reports:

“Martin O’Neill has never been the sort of manager to rush into decisions. He’s always had a measured attitude towards his next move. He’s very rational.”

This quote might surprise Aston Villa supporters, who thought his departure from Villa Park five days before the season was quite hasty indeed. It’s also not likely to be the whole story, as it has also been said that O’Neill was disappointed with the way West Ham handled the possibility of his appointment, expressing disappointment at the fact that Avram Grant knew he was about to be fired and yet still needed to lead the Irons against Arsenal.

Yet O’Neill would do well to consider this West Ham offer a near miss, and run away as fast as his trainer-clad legs can carry him. Last season, West Ham owners Davids Gold and Sullivan made public their distaste for then manager Gianfranco Zola, and then sent him out the back door two days after the season ended. Now, just months into his tenure, they first refused to give Grant the support of the board, and then allowed reports to develop that his last day in charge would be Saturday.

So who steps up next? It seems Grant may have earned himself a reprieve through this weekend’s fixture against Everton, unless West Ham can convince another to take the ship’s helm quite quickly indeed. The names being circulated right now are Martin Jol, former manager of Tottenham Hotspur and Dutch club Ajax, and Sam Allardyce, freshly dismissed from Blackburn Rovers.

The real question is whether either of these man, or indeed many others, will be willing to take on such a job. West Ham are bottom of the table, although a win takes them into safety. But between the club’s position in the Premier League, and the ever-worsening conduct of its leadership, means it may be tough convincing someone to sign on.