---
title: "Hammers co-chairman Sullivan says club are ‘very close’ to appointing manager"
canonical: "https://readwestham.com/2018/05/17/west-ham-co-chairman-sullivan-says-club-are-very-close-to-appoint-manager/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Elliott Cuff"
section: "Feature Writers"
published: "2018-05-17T18:58:34Z"
modified: "2018-05-17T18:59:43Z"
---

# Hammers co-chairman Sullivan says club are ‘very close’ to appointing manager

West Ham co-chairman David Sullivan has confirmed that the club are ‘very close’ to appointing a new manager.

Former boss David Moyes left the club yesterday, having signed a six-month deal back in November after replacing Slaven Bilić.

Sky reported yesterday that the club were planning on approaching Newcastle for manager Rafa Benitez, who was believed to have a release clause of around £6million.

The Hammers have also been linked with a move for Shakhtar Donetsk manager Paulo Fonseca, although recent reports suggest the Portuguese coach had rejected the club and is likely to sign a new deal with the Ukrainian champions.

Former Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini has had his team meet with the club too for talks.

West Ham released a statement regarding their managerial pursuit today on their [official website](https://www.whufc.com/news/articles/2018/may/17-may/joint-chairman-provides-update-manager-search), saying;

> West Ham United would like to assure supporters that the Board are extremely confident of appointing a high-calibre first-team manager, who has a proven record both in the Premier League and European football.

> The Club expect to make an announcement within the next seven days, following a thorough and strategic process that has identified the best possible candidates.