West Ham sack Nuno Espírito Santo as head coach with club eighth in Championship

West Ham intent on instant return to Premier League

Nuno took over from Graham Potter in September 2025

West Ham are poised to appoint Scott Parker as their manager after firing Nuno Espirito. Parker has been out of work since leaving Burnley last season but there is optimism he will be in place when West Ham visit Cardiff City on Wednesday.

The club kept faith with Nuno after last season’s relegation from the Premier League but patience has snapped with the side eighth in the Championship after last Saturday’s 3-1 defeat by West Bromwich Albion.

Nuno struggled to get his ideas across after taking over from Graham Potter in September 2025. He had 33 games to save West Ham from relegation but his tactics were poor, his team selections were confusing and his signings have not worked out.

West Ham are intent on an instant return to the top flight and want to get their automatic promotion hopes back on track. Parker is a former West Ham player and his backroom staff is expected to include his former teammate Mark Noble.

“Following a thorough review of the start to the EFL Championship season, the board of directors believe that a change is necessary at this time in order to ensure that the club’s objectives and expectations remain on track,” a club statement said.

“Assistant head coach Rui Pedro Silva and goalkeeper coach Rui Barbosa have also departed. West Ham United would like to thank Nuno, Rui and Rui for their hard work and commitment during their time at the club, and wish them all the very best for the future.”