Pellegrini sacked – club statement

He’s gone – escorted from the stadium by security guards we are told after the latest disaster.

And in an official statement on the site the club declares: “West Ham United can confirm that Manuel Pellegrini has left the Club with immediate effect.

Joint-Chairmen David Sullivan and David Gold, along with the Board and everyone at West Ham United, would like to place on record their thanks to Manuel for his service over the past 18 months.

Mr Sullivan said: “It is with great disappointment that we’ve had to make this decision. Manuel is a gentleman and it has been a real pleasure to work with someone of his calibre.

“However, it has become clear that that a change is required to get the Club back on track in line with our ambitions this season.

We felt it was necessary to act now in order to give the new manager as much time as possible to try and achieve that goal.”