West Ham's move to dismiss Avram Grant following their relegation to the npower Championship creates a vacancy which is likely to interest a host of managers.
Here are some possible contenders...
Gus Poyet
The Uruguayan has been highly praised for leading Brighton to the League One title and has Championship-level experience from his time as assistant to Dennis Wise at Leeds. However even if West Ham were to show interest, Poyet may consider Brighton, in their new stadium, to be on a par with the London side now.
Slaven Bilic
Hugely popular during the 1996/97 season he spent playing at Upton Park, Bilic is now coach of the Croatia national team and has been linked with a return to West Ham previously. May be unwilling to drop his duty to his country during their Euro 2012 qualifying campaign.
Roberto Di Matteo
The Italian has been out of management since leaving West Brom as they faltered after a bright start to the Premier League season. Did well to lead the Baggies to promotion though, and that is all West Ham are interested in next season.
Chris Hughton
Similar to Di Matteo in that he led Newcastle to promotion before being discarded as the team hit a rocky patch in the Premier League. Linked with various jobs since leaving St James' Park, and has a link with West Ham having played two seasons for the club in the early 1990s.
Paolo Di Canio
Appointing Hammers legend Di Canio might be a popular choice, but it would unquestionably be risky given he possesses no experience as a manager. Touted this week as a possible contender to be Swindon's new boss.
Sam Allardyce
Sacked by Blackburn's new owners in December when they bizarrely decided Steve Kean was a better bet to lead the team in the Premier League, Allardyce boasts great experience and has achieved considerable success on a limited budget.
Steve McClaren
Former England boss McClaren was ditched by German giants Wolfsburg this season, after a successful spell in Holland with FC Twente. Rebuilding his reputation after a torrid spell in charge of the national team, a return to England with likely Championship promotion contenders may hold plenty of appeal.
