I have read elsewhere people questioning whether this would be enough to attract a 'Top' manager and it made me question it myself. Apart from the obvious clubs at the very top with very deep pockets and huge international backing, the spend amongst the rest for last season didn't get anywhere near the £25m per club that we are offering. The biggest issue for any 'Top' manager is that of Champions league football as surely, like most 'Top' players, they should aspire to be the best and win the biggest trophies? So although we would all love to see a 'Top' manager to take on our clubs exciting future with much bigger crowds and revenues/investment (which will come), I just can't see it happening. Klopp would be my choice of the 'Top' managers that I think would embrace such an opportunity and make it a success, and he would have a fantastic rapport with the fans. Ancelotti has also been mentioned but his salary level is over double of our previous manager and his expectations would be for Champions League football. The question is 'are there any Champions League clubs looking for a manager?', if there isn't then he may look for a different challenge. What I think will happen is that we won't get any of the 'Top' managers as we can't offer them what they want. What I dread is the potential appointment of Billic, his managerial career of club football has consisted of 3 clubs and 2 of those were for only for one season each and the other club for two seasons. In 2012 he stated that he wanted to be the Spurs manager after Harry and now he is apparently championing to be our manager. To me he is a mercenary without enough management experience at club level, and we would only be appointing him for being an ex-player, which is not the right reason. He showed us no loyalty in leaving us for Everton for more money after only a year or so, and he doesn't have a good record at club level so why is he in the frame and why do people think he will cut it in the Premier League at West Ham? I just don't get it so please can anyone provide a brighter picture???

Motherwell have adopted our little ditty recently and I was wondering where did it all begin and what association do we have a song made famous by four mop headed blokes from Liverpool .... can anyone enlighten me?

So where are with the search for a new manager?

Benitez -- Definitely going to Real Madrid, their vice chairman, at the weekend, let slip the news everybody already knew that he was coming. Good, don't think he would be a good fit for our club just now (if ever), and dislike the bloke anyway.

Ancelotti -- highly unlikely, has stated he needs quite urgent surgery, and quite frankly only even being mentioned because, in a throwaway remark, he once said there was no reason why he wouldn't manage us.

Bielsa -- Still in talks with Marseilles after they have offered him a new deal. Our board seem split on whether he would be good for us; doesn't speak English apparently which, along with his dramatic effect on clubs, is probably giving the more conservatives at the club the chills! Still a definite possibility I think.

Unai Emery -- Generally thought to be choosing between us and Napoli. Another non-English speaker, which may give our board second thoughts. Italian is quite similar to Spanish and so is easier to learn than English. Napoli are said to be willing to offer him a bigger salary than us, but I'm unsure about that, the PL certainly has more money coming in that Seria A. Also still a good possibility I'd say.

Frank de Boer -- His agent stated a month ago that De Boer had told Ajax that he would NOT be leaving this summer. Odd thing for an agent to lie about, so would presume it's the truth. Is he a man to go back on his word? Doubtful I think, but what he exactly he said to Ajax is unknown, so wouldn't rule him out.

Eddie Howe -- Highly unlikely to leave Bournemouth.

Jurgen Klopp -- We are said to still be keen on Klopp, but he is keeping his cards close to his chest: hasn't really ruled anyone in or out. Really can't see him wanting to come to us at this stage of our progression, but who knows??? Unlikely.

Slaven Bilic -- Still the bookies odds on favourite. Has wisely not said a word to the press about his next job. I think he will be our new manager.

Andres Villas Boas -- Was recently describes as 'anti-football!' Think we've had enough of that the last 4 years.

Michael Laudrup -- A possibility if we can't get any of our first choices.

Harry Redknapp -- NO! No! no! They SURELY can't be that stupid!!!!!!!!!!!!

10 years ago I just turned on the telly and happened upon the start of the second half of the playoff final between West Ham United and Preston North End. 10 minutes later Bobby Zamora scored the only goal of the game. There and then is when I became a Hammer. Just realized it now that is has been a while now that I have followed the ups and downs of my favourite club and wouldn't change anything - the heartbreaks, the low points, the dissapointment as with the bad came the good. Just wanted to wish our club all the best for the future and let's hope we make a memorable exit from the Boleyn. On this sort of an anniversary day for me I feel proud to be a Hammer and kind of relieved that I managed to make it to the Boleyn before the big move.
Cheers fellow irons and have a great Saturday!

No not something I mentioned to the wife last night but the strength in our squad at the moment.

I understand the need to release players at the end of their contracts and start a fresh for the new campaign with a new manager. However, we commence a very competitive European campaign in just over a month and our squad is looking a little thin to say the least.

A number of youngsters have departed, most notably Potts, who probably wouldn't have been much help in Europe but the same can't be said for the likes of Demel or Jussi or Cole. Surely they could have been utilised at some point? A short term contract could have secured them a little while longer. Or keep them until their contracts end (June 30th) and let the new boss decide.

We are carrying a lot of injuries so there is a risk to see whether the likes of Carroll, Sakho, Collins etc are ready for the start of July and also whether the likes of Zarate or Maiga are still here then. I'm sure we have some players on the radar and a new manager could well arrive imminently but as always we are cutting it fine!

I thought that he would make it but apparently he has been released. Did anyone see him play for the development squad. Did he really not make the grade ?

Carlton Cole, Guy Demel, Jussi Jaaskelainen, Nene.

Young players; Kieran Bywater, Sean Maguire, Paul McCallum, Dan Potts.

anyone seen "stared up " watched it the other night , cant make my mind up , not much of a story only a bunch cons doin porridge , a lot of agro and every other word F and C , and another thing , either im goin mutton or i've been away from the smoke to long cause other than the F and C i couldn't understand a bleedin word

The shenanigans in Switzerland ie the arrest of several FIFA representatives must highlight to even the most loyal follower of our illustrious leader Mr Sepp Blater that things do not seem to going well. The alleged dodgy dealing and the questions over the awarding of the tournaments to Russia and Qatar are apparently coming to a head with the actions of the FBI requesting the apprehension of above mentioned representatives. How can anyone believe that the outstanding Russia well known for its straightforward dealings in international politics and sport would countenance dodgy dealing is beyond me. Qatar known worldwide for its excellent reputation in football is the natural choice of any freethinking member of FIFA. The questions of slave labour to build the stadiums and the nonsense of where the fans will stay is a red herring and of course must be ignored. To all and sundry it must be obvious that FIFA is a shining light of truth and decency in the shady word of sport politics.
ps The application is in the post.

any takers for this one?