Nuno Espirito Santo Shown The Exit Door As West Ham Consider Scott Parker

West Ham United have parted ways with head coach Nuno Espirito Santo following a disappointing start to their Championship campaign, with former England international Scott Parker reportedly emerging as the leading candidate to replace him.

The 52-year-old Portuguese manager leaves the London club after just over a year in charge. Despite being retained following the team’s struggles last season, Nuno was unable to prevent West Ham’s relegation from the Premier League.

According to reports, the club’s decision followed a review of its early-season performances, with West Ham currently sitting eighth in the Championship table, six points behind leaders Middlesbrough.

The Hammers have managed just two victories in their last six league matches, including consecutive home defeats against Southampton and West Bromwich Albion. They suffered a 3-2 loss to Southampton before falling 3-1 to West Brom on Saturday, dropping from second place in the standings.

Parker has reportedly become the leading contender for the vacant managerial position. The former England midfielder previously managed Fulham, Bournemouth and Burnley, guiding Bournemouth and Burnley to promotion from the Championship.

Meanwhile, assistant head coach Rui Pedro Silva and goalkeeping coach Rui Barbosa have also departed the club alongside Nuno.

In the meantime, former West Ham captain Mark Noble, Steve Potts and Gerard Prenderville will take temporary charge of the team ahead of Wednesday’s away fixture against Cardiff City.

In a statement, West Ham explained that the decision was taken after a thorough assessment of the team’s performances and results at the beginning of the season.

The club said the board believed a managerial change was necessary to keep its objectives and expectations on course. It also confirmed that the process of recruiting a new head coach had already begun, while expressing appreciation to Nuno and his assistants for their contributions.

Nuno becomes the third permanent manager to leave West Ham since David Moyes departed in May 2024. Julen Lopetegui replaced Moyes but was dismissed after six months, having recorded six victories in 20 Premier League matches. Graham Potter subsequently took charge but lasted only eight months before leaving with the club sitting 19th in the table.

West Ham initially struggled following their relegation to the Championship, failing to win any of their opening three matches and dropping to 19th position.

However, a remarkable recovery in September saw them record four consecutive victories and score 16 goals, including an emphatic 6-0 triumph over Wrexham, which briefly lifted them to the top of the standings.

Their momentum has since faded, with inconsistent performances leaving the club struggling to maintain its position. Their recent victories came against Lincoln City, who had nine players on the pitch, and Swansea City, while they also recorded draws against Millwall and Queens Park Rangers.

The club will now hope that a change in leadership can restore consistency and put their promotion ambitions back on track.