LONDON (AP):ABOUT 30 candidates are in the running for the vacant manager's job at West Ham.
Sky Sports News reported yesterday that the slew of candidates was being considered for the post vacated by Alan Curbishley and that the Premier League club would come up with a shortlist before unveiling their new man next week.
Kevin Keen has been installed as caretaker manager.
Curbishley quit the job on Wednesday, claiming his position had been undermined because the club made decisions without involving him.
Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp, a former West Ham manager, was touted for a return to Upton Park, but he claimed the club's management structure was flawed.
"Players are bought and sold without the manager's consent - and even knowledge in some cases," Redknapp told The Sun newspaper. "How can you do the job like that?"
Pearce rules himself out
Former Hammers player Stuart Pearce, the England under-21 manager, also ruled himself out.
"I manage this team (England)," Pearce said. "I am very proud to do so and will not be stepping down from this job, because I love the job I do. I said to the FA bosses when I took this job that I will honour my contract. I have said that many times before in the past and that applies today."
Another former West Ham player, Croatia coach Slaven Bilic, was installed as the 15-8 favourite, but he was lukewarm about the prospect of moving to back to London.
"I get calls from England all the time, just like before," Bilic said on Monday, before Curbishley's resignation. "But I can't say anything about West Ham United. Now that the (World Cup qualifying) game with England is getting closer, they will write more about me coming there. I signed a new contract to coach Croatia and that's all I can say. I will continue my job as national team coach until the end of World Cup 2010."
Roberto Mancini, who was fired by Inter Milan, is a 5-1 bet for the job, and former Bolton and Newcastle manager Sam Allardyce is rated at 7-1.
Another candidate, Davide Bal-lardini, joined Italian team Parma yesterday.
