A West Ham win last night was badly needed for our hopes of keeping Diangana. It seems from reports this morning that Pellegrini would be lucky to still be in charge come the weekend so we can probably presume a new man will be in charge some times in January, pending a miracle.
While Pellegrini seems to accept that Diangana would have limited chances in a side containing 6/7 other players who can feature in similar positions, a new manager will almost certainly want the option in his squad of a player who is so far in the team of the season in the championship. Unless West Ham already have somebody lined up to sign, i'd say the odds of Grady going back possibly went over the 50% mark with last nights result.
Facing the prospect of a 2nd season on the trot losing our top loan signing (while the rest of our rivals keep theirs) is pretty f****** annoying, and it does raise questions around the wisdom of signing loan players from the mid sized prem clubs with break clauses in the agreements, who are more likely to take them back as soon as they show a bit of form, but it isn't an easy situation and I do have symapthy with the club.
It is slightly less impactive than losing Barnes, as he was our best player and catalyst in the 1st half of last season, where as Diangana is more of grwat compliment to Pereira/Sawyers/Phillips.
I'd say he is easier to replace, maybe by Willock, but it might well be the difference between first and third unless we get a replacement right.