STEVE McClaren has been installed as the early favourite to succeed Avram Grant as manager of West Ham, after the Israeli was sacked following the club's relegation yesterday.

The Hammers threw away a two-goal lead at Wigan to lose 3-2, consigning them to Championship football next season, while also ensuring the team will finish bottom of the Premier League table.

McClaren, who lost his job with German side Wolfsburg earlier this season, is the frontrunner to land the role, with Chris Hughton, Sam Allardyce, Slaven Bilic and Martin Allen among the other candidates for the role.

McClaren is currently as short as 7/4 for the post, while SkyBet have installed former Newcastle United boss Hughton as second favourite at 5/1. Allardyce and club legend Paolo Di Canio are third at 11/2, Bilic is available at 7/1 and ex-West Brom manager Roberto Di Matteo can be found at 6/1.

Cardiff boss Dave Jones and Notts Count manager Martin Allen are also understood to be in the running for the job.