Strachan turns down West Ham job offer

Gordon Strachan has turned down an approach from West Ham United to replace Alan Pardew as their manager.

Gordon Strachan has turned down an approach from West Ham United to replace Alan Pardew as their manager.

It now appears that the Championship club will stick with Pardew until the end of the season. But the club's directors will review the situation on a game-by-game basis, especially as West Ham have slipped out of the play-off places in recent weeks with just two points from the last five games and a string of disappointing performances.

If they fail to win promotion, Pardew, who is half-way through a three-year deal, is almost certain to be dismissed. West Ham may then turn to a less well-established name than Strachan to revive their fortunes.

The Scot's decision is a severe blow to the West Ham board who regarded him as the only candidate at present who could appease the club's disillusioned fans.

The 48-year-old, who left Southampton last year to take a break from football, is believed to be in talks with a consortium working on a bid for an established Premiership club and who want to install him as manager. However, should that fail to materialise, Strachan could still arrive at West Ham should a takeover occur.

Despite the talk of various consortia wanting to also buy West Ham, the board has yet to receive a bid. Any buyer would need to find £33m to cover the clubs debts plus another £25m to buy out the shareholders. Those figures are likely to deter any offers.