Struggling English Premiership side West Ham on Monday sacked manager Alan Pardew.

The club are in 18th place in the Premiership after Saturday's 4-0 thrashing at Bolton with only three points separating them from bottom club Watford.

"Alan has made an important contribution since joining as manager in September 2003 but this season's results have been disappointing," the club said a statement.

"The Chairman, Mr Eggert Magnusson, and the Board have been concerned by the performances of recent weeks and feel that it is the right time to make a change in the best interests of the club."

The Hammers have lost five of their last six Premiership games including both matches since Icelandic businessman Magnusson became chairman a week ago.

"Mr Magnusson and the Board would like to place on the record their thanks to Alan Pardew for his hard work and commitment and to wish him well for the future," the club statement added.

First team coach Kevin Keen will take temporary charge of team affairs until a new appointment has been made.