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It's almost like back in the day when the 'Icelandics' rocked up at the Boleyn and started splashing the cash, suddenly West Ham United were being 'linked' with just about any player who had a pulse and began the tradition of the 'Kieron Dyer' society. Huge money spent and a lengthy contract for an abject and perenial 'sick note' of a player, does that ring any bells?

When the 'Pilgrim' first arrived at 'Gnome Towers' to finalise his move from China to E20, Manuel Pellegrini took along a dossier to show 'Mr David' Sullivan where and how the current squad needed to be revamped. Most interestingly was his apparent in-depth knowledge of the majority of the youngsters on the books, in particular Reece Oxford, Reece Buke, Josh Cullen and Declan Rice all of whom are homegrown players which is important due to the FIFA young player ruling which requires Barclays Premiership teams to have an increasing percentage of 'home sourced' players in their squads.

West Ham United's new manager has been confirmed as Manuel Pellegrini, the 64 year old Chilean has taken over the vacancy left by David Moyes' recent departure. With a three year deal in place it is obvious that there had been some rather detailed discussions as to budget and more importantly hierarchical interference prior to Pellegrini signing on the dotted line.

Contrary to earlier reports by the 'let's give West Ham a kicking' media with an agenda, James Collins was not told that his services were no longer required with a 'cold' e-mail, far from it. The e-mail in queston was sent as a matter of legal requirement from the club's H R department and was necessary in order to comply with various insurance policies in place, something that is in common with all Premier League clubs.

At least West Ham United are headline news for other than a footballing catastrophe, as news and media outlets jockey for their respective conservative and outlandish candidates as to who will become the club's next manager. Appointing a new manager will be a bit of a long haul given all the varaibles, both fiscal and instituitionally in E20, who ever comes in will have to deal with the board, namely David Sullivan and others!

West Ham United co-owner David Sullivan has today confirmed that which everyone already knew, namely the departure of David Moyes from the club. However the manner and nature of the announcement shows yet again exactly why neither of the owners should be allowed to make public statements without first having them approved a 'third party' who has the power to prevent verbal outbursts that usually prove costly!

It is perhaps fitting that the man earmarked to take over the managerial hot seat at West Ham United from David Moyes should mainly be associated with wearing a mask! Some might say it is Zorro, others the Lone Ranger looking for Tonto, it is to be hoped for his sake and for that of the club that both parties do not end up becoming part of a 'Tontería'.

.West Ham: Adrian, Zabaleta, Rice, Ogbonna, Cresswell, Kouyate, Noble, Joao Mario, Masuaku, Lanzini, Arnautovic. Subs: Hart, Carrol, Collins, Obiang, Evra, Fernandes, Hernandez .
Everton: Pickford, Coleman, Jagielka, Keane, Baines, Kenny, Schneiderlin, Bolasie, T Davies, Vlasic, Tosun Subs: Robles, Martina, Niasse, Klaassen, Holgate, Baningime, Walcott

Ironically Sunday's game between West Ham and Everton might mark the departure of two 'icons' from their respective clubs but with accute affiliations to each team they have represented, Wayne Rooney is suposed to be unavailable due to injury from partaking in what would be his last ever game in the Premier League, however don't rule out a miraculous recovery!

West Ham: Adrian, Zabaleta, Rice, Ogbonna, Cresswell, Kouyate, Noble, Joao Mario, Masuaku, Lanzini, Arnautovic. Subs: Hart, Carroll, Hugill, Obiang, Evra, Fernandes, Cullen.
Manchester: De Gea, Valencia, Lindelöf, Shaw, Jones, Smalling, Herrera, McTominay, Pogba, Lingard, Sanchez. Subs: Romero, Bailly, Mata, Martial, Blind, Young, Rashford.