There has been a major game-changing development in the managerial sack race involving West Ham and Premier League rivals Wolves and Everton.
Judging by the sheer number of managers linked with the Hammers, Toffees and Wolverhampton Wanderers it’s quite astonishing Julen Lopetegui, Sean Dyche and Gary O’Neil are still in their jobs.
Speculation has reached fever pitch around the Premier League rivals.
The clash between West Ham and Everton before the last international break was reportedly going to be decisive for Lopetegui and Dyche.
What has been billed the worst game of the Premier League season so far ensued in a 0-0 draw. But both managers kept their jobs.
When West Ham welcomed Wolves to the London Stadium on Monday night, the pressure ramped up even more.
The game as billed ‘El Sackico’ for Lopetegui and O’Neil.
Despite losing 2-1, though, O’Neil is clinging onto his job and has been given a stay of execution – much like Lopetegui was by the Hammers after defeat at Leicester last week.
Wolverhampton Wanderers' English head coach Gary O'Neil (R) reacts next to West Ham United's Spanish manager Julen Lopetegui during the English Pre...
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Hammers, Toffees and Wolves in literal sack race
It says a lot that O’Neil actually emerged from the clash with as much credit Lopetegui.
West Ham were poor and second best to Wolves for long periods.
The win that kept West Ham’s under pressure Spaniard in charge was extremely fortunate.
Dyche has bought himself some time with Everton’s 4-0 win over Wolves last week followed by the postponement of the Merseyside derby.
But reports still abound that Everton’s prospective new owners – the Friedkin group – are planning to replace Dyche.
In the background, reports have claimed all three clubs have been holding talks with potential replacements.
A number of those targets are mutual with the likes of Edin Terzic, Graham Potter, Max Allegri, David Moyes and others linked with West Ham, Everton and Wolves.
The Prem rivals are in a literal sack race with the pressure on to make sure they don’t miss out to one another.
Now there’s been a game changer as inspirational boss in talks with West Ham, Wolves and Everton makes his choice.
Sergio Conceicao of FC Porto during the match between Sporting CP and FC Porto for the Portuguese Cup Final. Inset, Edin Terzic, Massimiliano Allegri and Graham Potter.
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Top boss chooses between West Ham, Wolves and Everton
The prospective new Everton owners, headed up by Dan Friedkin, were said to be ready to take advantage of West Ham dithering over Lopetegui by moving for Sergio Conceicao.
Friedkin’s American consortium has agreed to buy Farhad Moshiri’s majority 94 per cent stake in Everton.
They want a new manager in place and made an offer to Conceicao last week.
That sparked West Ham into life. A reporter close to the club’s owners confirmed the Hammers see Conceicao as a leading candidate to replaceme Lopetegui.
Guardian journalist Jacob Steinberg claimed Conceicao would be interested too.
Wolves has also come into the mix since and have strong links to Portugal over their time in the top flight.
Conceicao has really got the juices flowing among fans of the three clubs. And it’s easy to see why.
The cigar-smoking 50-year-old Portuguese is a free agent having left Porto in the summer.
Conceicao won 11 trophies in seven seasons with the club. He is a passionate, intelligent, modern boss who is loved by his players and commands huge respect.
Dan Friedkin and David Sullivan.
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Inspirational Conceicao choice is a game changer
Dubbed the ‘new Mourinho’, fans of West Ham, Everton and Wolves have been excited by the impact he could make at their club.
The good news for all three is that Italian journalist Rudy Galetti has confirmed Conceicao wants to come to the Premier League as his next move.
The bad news for Everton and Wolves is that he wants West Ham.
According to Galetti’s report for TEAMtalk, Conceicao has a preference towards the Hammers in the race between the three clubs.
Conceicao is said to be ‘an important name as a possible replacement’ for Everton, Wolves and West Ham if and when they axe their current managers.
It is claimed Conceicao is seeking reassurances from his suitors that he will be able to make use of the January transfer window should he feel it necessary.
That – as well as the long-term strategy presented to him – will be decisive for his choice, it is claimed.
It’s claimed preliminary feelers have been put out to Conceicao from all three clubs.
But West Ham are in the box seat. For now at least.
That piles the pressure on Hammers majority owner David Sullivan to act.
Especially as West Ham fans continue to call for Lopetegui’s head after the unconvincing win over Wolves.
If Dyche or O’Neil are axed before Lopetegui and on of those clubs beats the Hammers to charismatic Conceicao then Sullivan may live to regret sticking rather than twisting.
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