Hammers close on new boss

New Upton Park boss could be named within 48 hours

By Peter Fraser   Last updated: 8th September 2008  

Hammers close on new boss

Zola and Donadoni: Strong candidates

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West Ham are understood to have narrowed their list of managerial candidates down to two names and could announce a new boss within the next 48 hours.

The Hammers were initially thought to have a shortlist of four names, including Michael Laudrup, Slaven Bilic, Gianfranco Zola and Roberto Donadoni.

However, Laudrup ruled himself out of the running on Monday after agreeing to take over at Spartak Moscow.

And Kia Joorabchian - who, according to Sky Sports News, is acting as an official advisor to the Upton Park board in the hunt for a new manager - believes Croatia manager Bilic is also now unlikely to move to England.

Strong

"I think they (West Ham) have probably narrowed it down to two candidates now and they are very strong candidates," Joorabchian told Sky Sports News.

"Slaven Bilic has probably ruled himself out due to the Croatian national team.

"You have to respect the fact that he is managing Croatia and has an ambition to take them to the World Cup. He is probably looking like the least likely at the moment."

Former Chelsea star and joint Italy Under 21 coach Zola is rumoured to be in pole position to succeed Alan Curbishley, who resigned last week, but Joorabchian insists ex-Italy chief Donadoni is also well qualified.

Experience

"Zola has got a lot of experience in the Premier League as a player and he has built a big reputation in Italy with the U21s," Joorabchian continued.

"Donadoni was with the Italian national team and he has tremendous experience as a player. He is another worthy candidate."

And Joorabchian expects West Ham to make a decision upon their new manager within a maximum of three days.

"They (West Ham) are moving quite fast because they are sensitive to the fact that they want to get someone in," added Joorabchian.

"It is the final decision, it is basically down to that. I would expect within the next 48 to 72 hours, you will probably get some news."