David Sullivan has revealed that West Ham's 14th full-time manager will not be a novice.
The Irons co-chairman, fresh from the fracas at Grosvenor House Hotel last night insisted that the new man must be experienced - but must also have 'knowledge' of West Ham."We want a manager who will get the best out of the squad and foster a strong team spirit," he told a popular newspaper. "A winner. We want a new manager that has a proven record of success.
"We do need someone who understands the culture and if you get someone with a knowledge of the East End that's so much better. I think we'll definitely get an English manager, or a British manager.
"We'll wait to see who applies and wait to see what happens generally, but it will be resolved within two weeks, I should think."
One man definitely ruled out is Paolo Di Canio, who announced his availability last week.
"My heart would say Paolo and the fans would say Paolo," he continued. "But someone who's a complete novice as a manager, with no experience, you just can't go with it.
"The problem with Paolo is, although the fans would love it, I'm being realistic and he has no experience whatsoever being a manager.
"If you look at first-season managers the failure rate is enormous. If he'd done a season anywhere and was, say, top of Serie B in Italy with a team, I'd take the chance. "
KUMB.com's Manager XIV poll is currently being led by Martin O'Neill, with Chris Hughton, Sam Allardyce and Tony Carr close behind. To cast your vote, visit the poll thread here.
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