Eriksson linked with West Ham job

Sven Goran Eriksson's agent has played down reports suggesting the former England manager will replace Alan Pardew as West Ham boss.

The Swede has been out of work since his failed World Cup bid in the summer while Pardew is under increasing pressure after the Hammers lost their eighth game in a row against Chesterfield on Tuesday.

According to a number of British newspaper reports, defeat at home to Blackburn on Sunday will give the club no option but to axe Pardew but there are conflicting stories of who could be the successor.

One newspaper claims Israeli hotels billionaire Eli Papouchado, who hopes to take charge at Upton Park by the end of next week, held secret talks with Eriksson last Sunday in Tel Aviv.

But Eriksson's agent Athole Still insists it was just an innocent meeting. "It was an absolutely private dinner and it was not in any way connected with West Ham football club," Still said.

Another separate report suggests Alan Curbishley will be approached should the takeover bid to buy out the current board goes through.

Eriksson has made no secret of his desire to return to management.

Current West Ham chairman Terence Brown fought Pardew's corner on Wednesday night, insisting he has his full support.

"I went down to the tunnel area to make sure that Alan was okay after what had been a very difficult night (against Chesterfield)," Brown told the club's official website, www.whufc.com.

"We talked about a couple of positive aspects involving the performances of one or two players, but nothing negative or critical was said.

"Of course Alan was hurting, but I put my arm around him and told him that everything would be fine.

"It is disappointing that one or two sections of the media have made such suggestions, but they will not distract us from working hard to turn round the team's current situation."