Debate: who should replace Pardew? Russell Kempson analysis The Club - access all areas

Alan Pardew insisted he is proud of his achievements at Upton Park after he was sacked by West Ham United. Eggert Magnusson, the new chairman, decided Pardew's time was up following Saturday's 4-0 loss at Bolton Wanderers.

But Pardew said: “When I took the helm they were in the Championship and struggling to find direction. In two consecutive seasons we qualified for the play-offs, ultimately achieving the Premiership status the club so richly deserve.

“I am also proud of our first season back in the top flight in which we finished ninth and came so close to winning the FA Cup.”

West Ham have lost five out of their last six Premiership matches including both games since Magnusson took over the club, the match at the Reebok Stadium coming off the back of a 2-0 home defeat against Wigan Athletic.

Magnusson had promised to keep faith with Pardew, and the pair had held meetings about possible targets for the January transfer window, but the club’s slide into the bottom three caused alarm bells to ring.

The chairman and Icelandic banking mogul Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson, who provided most of the money for the £85million takeover, were both present at the defeat by Bolton.

“The supporters have stood by me and I will always cherish memories of their support and loyalty during the difficulties of this season,” continued Pardew. “I am proud most of all of the players, many of whom have developed into top Premiership performers under the tutelage of myself and my backroom staff.

“The coaching and medical staff at Upton Park are second to none and I want to wish the new chairman Eggert Magnusson and the club every success for the future.”

A statement on the club's official website broke the news of his sacking this afternoon, saying: "West Ham United have today announced the departure from the club of Alan Pardew.

"Alan has made an important contribution since joining as manager in September 2003 but this season's results have been disappointing and have left the club in a very difficult position."

The new owners have made contingency plans in the event of relegation but the consortium’s business plan was very much targeted to West Ham remaining in the top flight and taking advantage of the bumper new Premier League TV rights deal which comes on stream next season.

West Ham’s first game without Pardew could not be much tougher, a home match against league leaders Manchester United on Sunday. Their Christmas fixture list of matches feature games against Fulham, Portsmouth, Manchester City and Reading.

The statement went on: "The chairman, Mr Eggert Magnusson, and the board have been concerned by the performances of recent weeks and feel that it is the right time to make a change in the best interests of the club.

"Mr Magnusson and the board would like to place on the record their thanks to Alan Pardew for his hard work and commitment and to wish him well for the future.

"The search for a successor is now underway in order that a new manager can be in place ahead of the January transfer window.

"First team coach Kevin Keen will take temporary charge of team affairs until a new appointment has been made. No further statements on this matter will be made by the club before that time."

Pardew took over in October 2003 after Glenn Roeder was sacked. In his first season in charge he took them to the Championship play-off finals which they lost to Crystal Palace. The following year they reached the play-off final again, and this time beat Preston North End to secure promotion to the Premiership.

In their first season back in the top flight, West Ham finished ninth, qualified for the Uefa Cup and lost to Liverpool in the FA Cup Final after extra time and penalties.

But this season has seen the side struggle to repeat that form with the takeover of the club appearing to disturb performances on the field. The arrival of Argentinian duo Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano also seemed to have an adverse effect on the team, with rumours of player unrest in the dressing room.

Pardew leaves with West Ham languishing in 18th place in the table, two points from safety.

Possible successors include Alan Curbishley, who has a proven track record in the Premiership, while Sven-Göran Eriksson, the former England coach, has already ruled himself out.

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