Avram Grant set to stay at West Ham after Martin O'Neill declines job offer

Avram Grant set to stay at West Ham after Martin O'Neill declines job offer
Martin O’Neill has delivered a serious blow to West Ham United by indicating that he does not want to become their next manager.
Sources close to O’Neill have informed the Premier League’s bottom club that, after lengthy deliberations, he has ruled himself out of the running to replace Avram Grant.
Astonishingly, it raises the prospect that Grant may even remain at Upton Park for the rest of the season despite all indications that he would be sacked this week.
That scenario would appear almost unbelievable given how seriously West Ham have discussed replacing the manager and the tensions that exist between him and the club’s vice-chairman, Karren Brady.
It remains to be seen whether their relationship can be repaired and whether Grant can salvage his own beleaguered reputation.
O’Neill is believed to have been angered by the way in which his possible move to Upton Park leaked out and, in particular, the reports on Saturday that he was definitely replacing Grant after the match against Arsenal.
It is understood that West Ham believed they had an agreement with O’Neill at the end of last week but that he has now changed his mind.
That agreement even, it is believed, went as far as detailing the make-up of his backroom staff, salaries and transfer targets such as Tottenham Hotspur striker Robbie Keane.
Whether O’Neill can be persuaded to change his mind again remains to be seen but hopes have dwindled dramatically at the club in the past 24 hours.
O’Neill has been highly sensitive to the way his potential appointment would be announced and the timing of it and how much time he would have to bed himself in.
It is also believed that he harboured serious reservations as to whether he could save West Ham from relegation.
The former Aston Villa manager was always West Ham’s first choice to replace Grant but the club will now discuss other candidates and give serious consideration as to whether they should stick with the Israeli, who had appeared resigned to the fact that he was leaving ahead of Saturday’s match at Everton.
A decision on the manager’s future — in the form of a club announcement — needs to be made this week to end the damaging uncertainty at the club.
The apparent failure to lure O’Neill will shock West Ham supporters, who have grown increasingly frustrated with the delay in making a decision over Grant, who appeared certain to go after the 5-0 defeat to Newcastle United two weeks ago.
That triggered representatives to make contact with O’Neill and a second-choice candidate, thought to be Sam Allardyce, although he has publicly stated he has not been in discussions.
West Ham are also thought to have considered making a move for former Spurs manager Martin Jol although sources in Holland indicated on Monday that he may already have a job lined up for the summer after leaving Ajax earlier this season.
Other possible candidates have included Cardiff City’s Dave Jones and Birmingham City manager Alex McLeish, who has been under growing pressure at St Andrew’s and who was hired by the West Ham co-owners David Sullivan and David Gold when they were in charge of the Midlands club.
It may well be that the club now keep Grant — who they have always been reluctant to sack – and concentrate on trying to improve the squad in the final two weeks of the transfer window.
Three in the frame
Martin Jol
Linked to a variety of Premier League jobs this season, including Fulham and Newcastle. Favours the kind of attacking play enjoyed by West Ham fans but his Tottenham past might count against him.
Alex McLeish
The Scot’s record of succeeding on limited funds might make him an appealing option to West Ham’s board, who know him well from their time at Birmingham. The fans may not be so enthused.
Dave Jones
Well respected throughout football and would surely jump at the chance for another shot at the top flight. His lack of success in Premier League relegation fights could be a cause for concern, however

» Avram Grant set to stay at West Ham after Martin O'Neill declines job offer
» West Ham finally set to sack Avram Grant this week but Martin O'Neill yet to agree terms to take over
» West Ham manager Avram Grant eyes Arsenal's Nicklas Bendtner to help with relegation battle
» Deserted Grant still game for a laugh ahead of West Ham's semi-final date with Birmingham
» U.S. official: Egyptian military trying to stay out of the fray