West Ham United are closing in on the appointment of Scott Parker as their new head coach following the dismissal of Nuno Espirito Santo.
Nuno has paid the price for the club’s poor start to the Championship season. The Portuguese coach also failed to keep West Ham in the Premier League last season.
Reports suggest West Ham have opened advanced talks with Parker, who previously managed Burnley, Bournemouth and Fulham. The club could confirm his appointment before Wednesday’s trip to Cardiff City.
Parker, a former England midfielder, spent four seasons at West Ham as a player. He also has a strong record in the Championship, having guided both Bournemouth and Burnley to promotion.
However, West Ham’s current position falls well below expectations. The club started the campaign among the favourites for automatic promotion but now sit eighth, six points behind leaders Middlesbrough.
The Hammers have won only two of their last six league games. They have also suffered consecutive home defeats, losing 3-2 to Southampton before Saturday’s 3-1 loss to West Bromwich Albion.
Those results saw West Ham fall from second place and increased pressure on Nuno.
Assistant head coach Rui Pedro Silva and goalkeeping coach Rui Barbosa have also left the club.
Mark Noble, Steve Potts and Gerard Prenderville will take charge of the team on an interim basis for Wednesday night’s visit to Cardiff City.
West Ham begin search for fourth manager since Moyes exit
West Ham confirmed Nuno’s departure in a statement, explaining that the board had decided to make a change after reviewing the team’s performances.
“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 West Ham United statement read.
“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.
“The process of recruiting a new head coach is already under way.”
The decision leaves West Ham searching for their fourth permanent manager since David Moyes left the London Stadium in May 2024.
Julen Lopetegui replaced Moyes but lasted only six months. The Spaniard managed just six wins in 20 Premier League games before the club dismissed him with the team sitting in mid-table.
Former Chelsea and Brighton manager Graham Potter then took charge. However, he lasted only eight months and left with West Ham in 19th place.
The club turned to Nuno, formerly of Wolves and Tottenham Hotspur, in another attempt to revive their fortunes. However, he could not prevent relegation at the end of last season.
West Ham finished two points behind Tottenham and dropped into the Championship.
Their struggles continued at the start of the new campaign. The Hammers failed to win any of their opening three league matches and dropped to 19th place.
However, a remarkable four-game winning run in the first half of September briefly raised hopes of an immediate return to the Premier League.
West Ham scored 16 goals during that spell and climbed to the top of the table. Their impressive 6-0 victory over Wrexham proved the highlight of the run.
Since then, results have declined again. The Hammers have managed only two league wins, beating nine-man Lincoln City 6-0 and Swansea City 1-0.
They also drew against London rivals Millwall and Queens Park Rangers, leaving the club searching for fresh momentum.
Parker now appears to be the leading candidate to take charge and revive West Ham’s promotion campaign.
