Big Sam backed in for Hammers

Published May. 27, 2011 3:15 p.m. ET

foxsports

Coral and Victor Chandler have both suspended betting on the next Hammers manager market as former Bolton, Newcastle and Blackburn boss Allardyce continues to be heavily backed. VC spokesman Charlie McCann said: "We cut Allardyce from 9/4 to 8/11 and then to 4/7 before we cried enough. "Allardyce has long been touted as a potential West Ham manager. The rush on Allardyce has been spectacular and it would appear informed." Coral's David Stevens concurred, saying: "Major gambles are part and parcel of these next manager markets, but today it's been one-way traffic for bets on Allardyce, which suggests an appointment could be imminent." Sky Bet currently price Allardyce up at 1/12.