David Sullivan today insisted West Ham would not replace Avram Grant with another foreign coach.
Israeli Grant was axed after the club's relegation was confirmed on Sunday and joint-owner Sullivan said today: "I think we will definitely get an English manager, or a British manager.
"We do need someone who understands the culture and if you get someone with a knowledge of the East End that's so much better.
"It will be resolved within two weeks, I should think."
The club have drawn up a list of a dozen potential candidates but early favourite, former England coach Steve McClaren, last night ruled himself out. It is understood that another front-runner, Chris Hughton, has dropped down the pecking order. Martin O'Neill and Sam Allardyce remain possibilities but have no recent experience of the Championship.
Sullivan is known to admire Dave Jones but may not be able to tempt the Welshman away from Cardiff if they are promoted to the top flight via the play-offs.
Blackpool's Ian Holloway is rated by the board, while Queens Park Rangers manager Neil Warnock, who has an impressive record in guiding clubs to promotion, Norwich's Paul Lambert, Swansea boss Brendan Rodgers and Brighton's Gus Poyet are on their radar.
