West Ham manager Glenn Roeder remained in hospital this morning as club officials prepared to decide who should lead from the sidelines for the remainder of the season.
Roeder was admitted to hospital with chest pains on Monday night following his side's 1-0 home win over Middlesbrough.
Tests revealed he was not suffering from a heart problem but a statement issued jointly by the club and Royal London Hospital last night confirmed there was a blockage to a minor blood vessel on his brain.
West Ham are monitoring Roeder's progress closely but it remains unclear whether he will be able to return as manager for the final three games of the season or whether two of his backroom staff, Paul Goddard and Roger Cross, will take over in a caretaker capacity.
"I would think there's a good chance someone will take over and the obvious choices are Paul and Roger," West Ham's veteran left-back Nigel Winterburn told Sky Sports.
"There are only three games to go so it's not even thinkable to bring someone in when the manager's ill in hospital.
"We've got to get on with the job and try to make sure we get a good result on Sunday (against Manchester City).
"Glenn wasn't showing it and everyone was shocked to hear the news.
"He's conducted himself in a fantastic manner given the criticism he's faced and the pressure he's been under.
"But the Premiership is about a lot of money and being in the bottom three means there is a certain amount of pressure."
Reserve goalkeeper Raimond van der Gouw, asked what his reaction would be if Goddard and Cross took over, said: "It wouldn't be a problem for the players. But I don't know what will happen - we'll have to wait and see.
"I'm not even thinking about football at the moment, just hoping everything goes well with the manager."
PA