West Ham manager candidate once got banned on purpose to stay home and watch golf
West Ham are continuing to assess their options as Graham Potter’s future remains up in the air.
The Hammers’ boss could be dismissed should he not get a result against a Crystal Palace side who are unbeaten in their last ten Premier League games.
Kieran McKenna was at the London Stadium to witness the 3-0 defeat to Tottenham, with the Ipswich Town boss a potential option.,
Alternatively, David Sullivan could target an experienced option such as Sean Dyche, with the former Everton boss reportedly on their shortlist.
Gary O’Neil left Middlesbrough fans fuming after deliberate ban
Gary O’Neil has emerged as a candidate for West Ham after he was sacked by Wolves last season.
The 42-year-old has had a turbulent managerial campaign since hanging up his boots in 2019.
O’Neil managed to get results during a stint with Bournemouth, but his side always lacked any identity and style of play.
He went on to manage Wolves after his spell on the south coast and led them to a 14th-place finish before a relegation-threatened second season.
During his playing days, O’Neil had two years at West Ham between 20011 and 2013.
- O’Neil helped West Ham to Premier League promotion via the play-offs in 2012
- He made 48 total appearances for the Hammers
- He cost the Irons £1.2million
He joined the Hammers from Middlesbrough, and Boro fans haven’t been best pleased with their former midfielder since.
The Englishman once admitted to getting himself suspended during his playing days at the Riverside Stadium so he could watch the Masters.
During a match against Bolton Wanderers in 2009, O’Neil was booked for a foul on Ricardo Gardner.
The booking meant he was suspended for their next game, which happened to fall on the weekend that the golf was on.
West Ham should look elsewhere for their new manager
Free weekends are a rarity in the life of a footballer, but in 2009, O’Neil managed to secure one.
When a manager lacks professionalism, it can be a worry for supporters.
Equally, O’Neil has shown in the past that he can secure results that can get teams out of trouble.
However, if Sullivan is looking for an experienced manager, West Ham would be better suited to getting Nuno Espirito Santos.
The Portuguese manager has had more recent success than other candidates, but his history of falling out with owners, combined with the Hammers’ current situation, won’t help.
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