West Ham United have dismissed head coach Nuno Espírito Santo following a disappointing start to their Championship campaign, with former Hammers midfielder Scott Parker emerging as the leading candidate to take over at the London Stadium.
The club confirmed Nuno’s departure on Tuesday, November 3, after a review of the team’s performances, with consecutive home defeats leaving West Ham eighth in the Championship standings and six points behind league leaders Middlesbrough.
“West Ham United can confirm that men’s first-team Head Coach Nuno Espírito Santo has left his position with immediate effect,” the club said in an official statement.
The statement added that the board believed a managerial change was necessary to keep the club’s objectives and expectations on track. Nuno’s assistant Rui Pedro Silva and goalkeeper coach Rui Barbosa have also departed.
West Ham’s decision followed a 3-2 defeat to Southampton on October 24 and a 3-1 loss to West Bromwich Albion on October 31, results that further undermined their bid for an immediate return to the Premier League.
Parker in advanced talks
Parker is reportedly in advanced discussions with West Ham over the vacant position, with the Press Association, Sky Sports News and The Guardian reporting that the former England international is expected to replace Nuno.
However, West Ham had not officially confirmed Parker’s appointment at the time of publication. The club stated that its recruitment process was underway and that it would make no further comment until a new head coach was confirmed.
The 46-year-old is a familiar figure at the London Stadium, having played for West Ham between 2007 and 2011. He made 129 appearances for the club and was named the Football Writers’ Association Footballer of the Year in 2011.
Parker also brings considerable Championship experience, having guided Fulham, Bournemouth and Burnley to promotion to the Premier League.
His record of securing promotion from the second tier is understood to be a major factor behind West Ham’s interest, as the club seeks to return to the top flight after relegation last season.
Noble to oversee preparations
While the managerial appointment is being finalised, West Ham sporting director Mark Noble, alongside Steve Potts and Gerard Prenderville, will temporarily oversee preparations for Wednesday’s Championship fixture against Cardiff City.
The Hammers are seeking to regain momentum after a turbulent period that saw them relegated from the Premier League following a 14-year stay.
Parker’s potential return would represent a reunion with a club where he enjoyed a significant playing career, while placing him at the centre of West Ham’s efforts to secure promotion back to English football’s top division.
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