Sam Allardyce currently holds the Upton Park hot-seat, but for how much longer? (Picture: Getty Images)

It’s the one the whole nation is talking about.

Who will be lucky, and where should you place your pennies – on one of the hot favourites? A rank outsider? Or maybe an even bigger surprise – no new winner?

Yes, the West Ham managerial race has it all. So here is your guide to some of the leading runners and riders. Where you put your money is up to you…

Old Trotter: There are some jobs for which Sam Allardyce is ideal, like hauling a team out of the post-relegation mud. But leading the race is another matter, and this season when the thoroughbreds upped the pace, his team were swallowed up by the field.




Odds: Knackers yard? Harsh. Time to be put out to pasture, though.

David Moyes will probably want to reign in Spain a little longer…(Picture: Getty Images)

Flying Scotsman: In many ways, David Moyes and West Ham is a great match. At Everton, he worked in a similar club culture – nurturing talent, fighting to keep it, and always having to work harder for attention in the shadow of more high-profile neighbours.

His brief, ill-fated Manchester United stint should be ignored – who could follow Fergie? – But having gone abroad to rebuild his reputation, he is unlikely to want to return, yet.

Odds: Prefers hotter, drier conditions.

Bigger pastures await Rafael Benitez, according to this tipster (Picture: Getty Images)

Champion the wonder horse: Rafael Benitez being in the mix has taken many by surprise, with good reason; it’s extremely unlikely.

Real Madrid-raised, a La Liga winner with Valencia, a Champions League winner with Liverpool, a World Club Championship winner with Inter Milan, a Europa League winner with Chelsea, a Coppa Italia winner with Napoli – spot a pattern there?

Add the fact that vacancies at Manchester City or Liverpool (both near his former north west stomping ground) could arise this summer, and east London’s appeal looks minimal.

Odds: Not his track.

Slaven Bilic would be a popular choice, but experience could count against him (Picture: Reuters)

Croatian Cracker: The fact Slaven Bilic is so fondly remembered at West Ham after spending just one and half seasons there nearly two decades ago is a sign of how big an impact the defender made – and from what he says, the feeling was mutual.

As a manager, Bilic has been similarly impressive, coaching Croatia for six years, then teams in Russia and now Turkey.

A strong contender, but his lack of connection to contemporary English football may count against him – this time.

Odds: Not now. But one day? Maybe.

Marcelo Bielsa currently leads this race (Picture: Getty Images)

Glamorous Gaucho: As a footballer in a family of lawyers and politicians, Marseille boss Marcelo Bielsa is used to doing things his own contrary way, but the way he has earned so much praise from the likes of Pep Guardiola and coached the Argentina and Chile national sides prove his methods must have something to them.

Although his lack of British experience may count against him, his is the name most commonly mentioned. Could appointing him be the managerial equivalent of signing Paolo di Canio?

Odds: Strongest recent form.

Long shots: Glenn Hoddle – more interested in training than racing. Eddie Howe – destined for great things, just not yet. Roberto Di Matteo – strangely overlooked. Worth a punt.

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