Hammers limited in manager options

West Ham's options for who they can replace Alan Curbishley with are narrowing with Slaven Bilic and Harry Redknapp out of the running.

Former Hammers defender Bilic was favourite to replace Curbishley, who resigned on Wednesday, but he says he is not on his way to England as he has a contract with Croatia and intends to coach them until the end of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

Redknapp, who was in charge of West Ham for seven years until 2001, has also spoken out to reveal he has no intention of leaving Pompey for a return to Upton Park. Redknapp says the fact he has an owner who allows him to manage team affairs is one of the main reasons why he will not be going back to the East Londoners.

Punters can take advantage of the £25 free bet to predict who will become the next West Ham manager as the club begin their search for Curbishley's successor.

Cagliari coach Davide Ballardini was also thought to be in the reckoning, but he is also out of the race after being appointed Palermo's new coach on Thursday following the sacking of Stefano Colantuono.

Indeed only former fans' favourite Paolo Di Canio has thrown his hat into the ring, admitting he would welcome the opportunity to manage the club.