West Ham United have announced the sack of Manuel Pellegrini from his role as head coach of the Premier League side after a run of disappointing results.

Yesterday, the Hammers were defeated 1-2 by Leicester City. 

 

A statement on the club’s website confirming the sack reads;

 

“It is with great disappointment that we’ve had to make this decision. Manuel is a gentleman and it has been a real pleasure to work with someone of his calibre. 

 

“However, it has become clear that a change is required to get the Club back on track in line with our ambitions this season. We felt it was necessary to act now in order to give the new manager as much time as possible to try and achieve that goal.

 

"Joint-Chairmen David Sullivan and David Gold, along with the Board and everyone at West Ham United, would like to place on record their thanks to Manuel for his service over the past 18 months,' the statement added.

 

West Ham’s poor form became an issue of serious concern, having failed to win a Premier League match since September, a run which has left them 16th on the table, just five points above the relegation zone. 

 

Having moved into third position in the standings following their win over Manchester United on September 22nd, West Ham have since not won any of their last top-flight encounters, with a lack of confidence, poor recruitment and goalkeeping issues all being causes for concern. 

 

Yesterday's loss was the Hammers' fourth straight home loss, leaving them just one point above the relegation zone. It was the final straw for the club and its restless supporters, who jeered Pellegrini's decision to substitute record signing Haller, rather than give him some support in attack.