Alan Curbishley turned over his control of the mighty West Ham United on Wednesday of this week, over allegations of a lack of control over the team's transfer policy.
Of course, the club released a statement that refuted Curbishley, denying there was a breach of trust and confidence between the two parties.
The club were also quick to draw up a short list of candidates. We will have a look at those that are up for the job and see who exactly might be the best man to help those at Upton Park towards the Champions League.
There are five names that I have come across and they are: Roberto Donadoni, Gerard Houllier, Paolo Di Canio, Slaven Bilic, and Roberto Mancini.
Gerard Houllier
Houllier, who has had extensive coaching in England compared to the other candidates, is by far the most qualified for the job. His experience with the recent form of the English game gives him an edge over his competitors.
He has had the experience of managing a major club through somewhat rough times, both personal and team wise. Despite the fact that the trophies he brought to Anfield were not always from the top draw, he proved that he could win with the resources he had—which is something that will be key with West Ham.
Slaven Bilic and Roberto Mancini
These two coaches would tie for the number two spot on my list if Houllier didn't accept. It is hard to separate the two based only on their ability to manage a team. Both of them have amazing records.
However, I think Mancini edges out Bilic by just a fraction. Mancini has had more coaching and playing time than Bilic. Playing time on a team is important. If you are thrust onto the field by the coach more than a few times when you are at a team, then the coach must think that you are doing something special.
As for the time spent coaching, Bilic has coached for roughly two years and only at the national level. His stats do not lie. He has a 70% win ratio in just two years on the job.
However, he is managing a national team of players that he sees a maybe twice a month in the off-season. Mancini, much like Houllier, has coached at the club level and that entails a more personal involvement with the players on a monthly, even a yearly, basis.
Another matter to consider when looking at it from the angle of the national team. Bilic has the creme of the crop under him. Mancini didn't always coach Inter. And even when he did, he had a team of decent players, not all of which were on their respected national teams.
The type of team coached comes down to the factor that wins out in this situation. From that, Mancini would clearly be the choice over Bilic.
Paolo Di Canio
The next-to-last name on my list is an individual who has had no formal coaching experience. Paolo Di Canio retired from football this past March, after nearly twenty-three season.
His career spanned three countries: Italy, England, and Scotland, where he played for top clubs in each league (with the exception of the start and end of his career). After retiring, he went on record as saying that he would love to return to West Ham and coach at some point and now he has his chance.
His agent has been on record to say that his client simply wants to sit down with the board and talk about the post.
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