West Ham’s latest rollercoaster season endures another twist

The breaking news in Iceland is that former West Ham chairman Eggert Magnusson is suing owner Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson for breach of contract and is demanding more than 200 million krona (£1.26 million according to mataf) as part of an agreement regarding the termination of his contract. Magnusson follows Sheffield United, former chairman Terry Brown, Kia Joorabchian and Alan Curbishley in entering or threatening legal proceedings with the luckless Icelander.

When the board support a manager, time is short…

Observe the following pattern:

Former West Ham chairman Eggert Magnusson on November 21, 2006:

“I will also be continuing talks with Alan Pardew on how he sees the future on the playing side. This is very much his domain and he has my full confidence and support.”

December 11, 2006: Pardew is sacked

Wigan chairman Dave Whelan on May 14, 2007:

“I’d like to take this opportunity to welcome [Chris Hutchings] as manager and give him my assurance that he will have my full and total backing as we seek to stay in the Premiership for a fourth season and keep establishing this club in the best league in the world.”

November 5, 2007: Hutchings is sacked

Newcastle chairman Chris Mort on November 26, 2007:

“Sam [Allardyce] is a very experienced manager, and I am sure he will work hard with his coaching team to turn the team around. He is working hard to get his best team, and how they can work together in the best way.”

January 9, 2008: Allardyce is sacked