Bilic and Redknapp discount Hammers returns
Thursday, 04 Sep 2008 15:10
Harry Redknapp and Slaven Bilic rule themselves out of returns to West Ham United
Two of the favourites for the vacant
West Ham United manager's job have ruled themselves out of the running.
Following Alan Curbishley's surprise decision to stand down from the Upton Park hotseat yesterday, the bookies quickly installed Croatia head coach Slaven Bilic and
Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp as the two front-runners.
However, both men have today played down speculation that they could return to their former club because they remain committed to their current jobs.
Bilic, who has long been linked with a coaching role in England and is to take on Fabio Capello's side in a crucial World Cup qualifying match in less than a week's time, said he is "always being asked about the West Ham job" but denied there had been any contact.
"There is nothing I can say," he explained.
"I have a contract with Croatia until the World Cup ends in 2010."
And Redknapp, who chose to reject an offer to manage
Newcastle United because he is comfortable at Fratton Park, reiterated his desire to remain on the south coast.
He told the Sun newspaper: "Alan Curbishley may have gone as West Ham boss - but there's no way I'll replace him.
"Curbs quit because he feels he has been undermined and shown a lack of trust by the owner. I take my hat off to him for sticking to his principles.
"Don't get me wrong, West Ham is a fantastic club, with fantastic fans and - having gone there aged 15 - it has a special place in my heart.
"But I love it at Portsmouth and I have one big advantage over a lot of Premier League bosses these days - I've got an owner who lets the manager manage."
One man who has declared his interest in the east London job is former striker Paolo di Canio, who was a firm fans' favourite during his four years at the club between 1999 and 2003.
The Italian is in the process of obtaining the relevant qualifications to go into coaching, and told the British tabloid: "I am waiting for a job in England because my dream is to come back and I think there are a lot of good things I can bring.
"I took the coaching badges in the summer and I would like to have a job.
"My dream team is West Ham. I keep the club in my heart. One day I hope to come back to London and sit on the bench at West Ham."