West Ham Football Club have today announced that they have parted company with manager Sam Allardyce. The news comes two weeks from the end of the season, where they finished 13th. Allardyce was criticised throughout the season by fans over the style of football played, and the crisis talks held by the the club's chairmen, David Gold and David Sullivan, have led to his dismissal.

Allardyce took over as manager in June 2011, after West Ham were relegated under Avram Grant, and he took the club straight back up via the playoffs in May 2012. Allardyce then began to bolster the squad at Upton Park, resigning a host of former players such as James Collins and George McCartney. They were a good side that season, finishing 10th under Allardyce. Allardyce then broke the club's transfer record to sign Andy Carroll for £15 million, who struggled with injury throughout the season. Allardyce struggled as well, and only a late season run of form saved them from the drop, eventually guiding them to 13th place.

David Gold had this to say: 'We are sad to see Sam leaving the club, but we now believe that we want to take a different step in the club's future, and have therefore parted ways. It has been a difficult year for the club, with Dylan Tombides dying of cancer, and Tony Carr announcing that he will leave after 37 years at the club, so we really appreciate the support the fans have given us throughout the year.'

Speculation continues over who will take over the job, with former Crystal Palace boss Tony Pulis, as well as Neil Warnock being lined up. Fans have called for Tony Carr himself to take over, or club legend Paulo Di Canio to make a return.

A great detailed start to the story. Keep it up.

Very nice start, I hope you can take advantage of the great players at the club. I've always had a soft spot for West Ham, so do them proud

Don't see many of these mid table clubs being used for stories! I am excited to see where you take west ham mate

Nice start hope you have a season like West Ham are having in real life.

James: Thanks a lot mate!

Neal: I will Neal, I will!

Inquisition: Thought I would go for something different,

Mo: That's what inspired me funnily enough!

This story will be getting a lot more attention from me in the coming days, just finishing school exams etc...

West Ham United have today announced that former Head of Youth Development Tony Carr would be taking over as manager following Sam Allardyce's sacking. Carr left West Ham at the start of the summer, having spent 41 years in charge of West Ham's academy. He will be coming out of retirement to take the job, but the 64 year old still thinks he can lead West Ham to greater heights:

Carr who graduated from the Hammers' academy in 1969, cruelly had his playing career cut short after a horrific leg break which left him out for 18 months. Carr took up his new role as Academy director in 1973, and has since overseen the development of many talented players at the Academy of Football. Carr has been friends with West Ham's chief scout, Jimmy Hampson, who is regarded as being one of world football's top scouts. In England's 23 man squad for the 2010 World Cup, no fewer than 7 had come through at West Ham under Carr's guidance.

Nice start, good luck!