Personally I thought Ted Bates filled that role in the past - although I doubt that DoF was his title.
Its not always about how the "modern" DoF operates ie deciding who is sold/bought. A DoF should be the football voice on the board when decisions are being taken.
Just been on South today that Pardew's odds have tumbled and he appears to be favourite with the bookies.
I wouldn't mind him - most West Ham fans have got a lot of time for him and (for the footie purists) he plays passing football - not hoof ball.
Chez - I think you mean block 37(ish) - I have sat there for about a season in the past and found it pretty good (a few of my mates still sit there), the atmos is good and the view is well the same as everywhere else in SMS - spot on.
HTH
Sorry - you do support SFC don't you? Me I can't wait as its all about saying thanks etc to ML (even if it wasn't I'd still be there).
as to a manager & players being appointed before Sat - it wouldn't make a lot of difference IMHO.