Allardyce to leave Hammers

The 60-year-old's future in east London has been the subject of speculation for much of the season, but the club finally confirmed his exit within minutes of their final Barclays Premier League match of the season at Newcastle ending.

A tweet from the club's official Twitter account read: "The club have begun the search for a new manager after deciding not to renew Sam Allardyce's contract."

Allardyce took over at Upton Park in 2011 and the Hammers made an excellent start to the current campaign, but tailed off dramatically to finish in 12th.