Robson installed as favourite

Former Middlesbrough manager Bryan Robson has been hailed as an early favourite to replace Glenn Roeder, who was sacked earlier today.

Robson, who is currently out of work has been installed as a strong candidate to replace Roeder who finally bit the bullet today following a poor start to the new season.

Other names mentioned at this early stage include former Hammer Iain Dowie - currently in charge at Oldham; Rotherham boss Ronnie Moore who has steered his club through the Nationwide Leagues; former Arsenal boss George Graham and former Arsenal defender Tony Adams, who appeared in a tabloid story earlier today stating that he would be interested in the Hammers job should Glenn Roeder lose his job. Uncanny timing that.

In the meantime the club have confirmed that Trevor Brooking will take over as caretaker manager for the second time in a matter of months - a move that has already been warmly greeted by fans.

News of Roeder's dismissal has been welcomed on the whole by supporters, although many have condemned the board for using him as a scapegoat.

Questions are again being asked why Roeder - whose managerial record was hardly exemplary before he came to Upton Park - was appointed in the first place.

If Chairman Terry Brown is attempting to diffuse the wealth of backing for the 'Brown Out' campaign it would appear at this early stage that it is a plan destined to fail.