LONDON (Reuters) - The odds on Ruud Gullit becoming the new West Ham United manager have been cut by bookmakers William Hill after a series of unusual bets on the Dutchman.

The odds on Gullit succeeding Harry Redknapp at Upton Park were shortened from 25-1 to 5-2.

Hills spokesman Graham Sharpe told SkySports.comTV: "We received a series of bets on Gullit, wanting to back him at any price.

"When someone is told the odds have been cut from 25-1 to 5-2 they are not usually too keen, but they were wanting to take any price.

"It could have been done to increase his (Gullit's) profile, but the last time we saw this pattern develop was when Sven-Goran Eriksson became England coach."

Eriksson was suddenly backed from 33-1 to 3-1 favourite for the England job, which he took up in January.

Gullit's agent denied the former Chelsea and Newcastle United manager would take over at West Ham.

Redknapp parted company with the Hammers in a shock development last week after seven years in charge.

-- Anonymous, May 15, 2001

Answers

against polls

-- Anonymous, May 15, 2001

Maybe RG can send Pearce back to us.

-- Anonymous, May 15, 2001

Wonder if he'll hire Ex W Ham fan Rob Lee as his assitant manager?

-- Anonymous, May 15, 2001

If Paul Dalglish's experiences are anything to by then Frank Lampard will be on his bike just as soon as Gullit blames Lampard senior for his own abject performance.

-- Anonymous, May 15, 2001