New Hammers owners ditch Pardew
Baros denies Blades win
Everton on the move
—– Less than a month after new Icelandic owners arrive at Upton Park, Alan Pardew is sacked as manager of West Ham United.
The Hammers are in 18th place in the Premiership following a run of three straight defeats including Saturday’s 4-0 thrashing at Bolton Wanderers.
A club statement reads: “Alan has made an important contribution since joining in September 2003 but this season’s results have been disappointing.
“Chairman Eggert Magnusson and the board feel it is the right time to make a change in the club’s best interests.”
After a difficult start to his reign, Pardew had become a firm favourite amongst United’s supporters as he steered them to promotion to the Premiership in 2005 and then guided them to the FA Cup Final and a UEFA Cup place last season.
This season has proved to be a different story with the injury to top striker Dean Ashton and the controversial signing of Argentine internationals Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano.
The departing boss issues his own statement: “The supporters have stood by me and I will always cherish memories of their support and loyalty during the difficulties of this season.
“I am proud most of all of the players, many of whom have developed into top Premiership performers under the tutelage of myself and my backroom staff.”
Former Hammer Alan Curbishley is immediately linked with the vacancy.
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—– In an entertaining clash at Bramall Lane, Sheffield United and Aston Villa battle out a 2-2 which lifts the Blades a further place away from the relegation zone.
Villa’s Stilian Petrov scores his first goal for the Birmingham club within two minutes. Stephen Quinn’s volley from a long throw drew United level and Danny Webber hooked in a second before Milan Baros levelled seconds later.
—– In advising shareholders at their 127th AGM, Everton confirm that they are in talks to move out of Liverpool to a new site in neighbouring Knowsley.
The talks involve Knowsley Council and retail giants Tesco.
Tesco chief executive Sir Terry Leahy hails from Liverpool and is a passionate Evertonian.
Everton chairman Bill Kenwright says: “I do not want to be the guy who moves Everton away from Goodison Park, but it is not a financial option to remain here.”
The club’s last plan to relocate to a 55,000-seater waterfront stadium at King’s Dock was abandoned in 2003.
Goodison Park has been their home since 1892.
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