The managerial merry-go-round may have seized up in the opening half of the season but after two sackings in a week I get the impression it may spring into life once more.

With the crucial Christmas Livescores to come in and then the January transfer window approaching club chairman are getting restless. If their club’s are struggling they are faced with a tough choice – stick with the present coach and let him try and dig his way out of trouble, or get someone new in with the hope a honeymoon period will inspire them over the festive period and then allow him to go shopping during the January transfer window.

For West Ham they are in such a perilous position. With the club lying bottom of the league with just two wins all season the pressure is on Avram Grant, who only joined the club in the summer.

With finances tight at Upton Park the board would be reluctant to sack Grant, incurring a hefty pay-off in the process, and then fork out compensation for a replacement.

But the sacking of Sam Allardyce by Blackburn this week has changed things somewhat.

Big Sam moved to Ewood Park in December 2008 with Rovers in a similar position to what West Ham are in now. He successfully avoided relegation and led them to 10th the following year.

The fact he is now out of work means he would be a cheap ready-made replacement for Grant. His direct, set piece reliant style would perhaps grate with the Hammers fans, who are used to seeing their side play attractive passing football.

But those studying the football live scores know that desperate times mean desperate measure and Allardyce’s agricultural style of play maybe what is required if West Ham are to battle their way out of trouble.