West Ham sack Nuno Espírito Santo as Scott Parker moves closer to taking charge
United have dismissed head coach Nuno Espírito Santo after a poor start to their Championship campaign. Scott Parker is in advanced talks to
West Ham United have dismissed head coach Nuno Espírito Santo after a poor start to their Championship campaign. Scott Parker is in advanced talks to replace him, with the club preparing for a midweek trip to Cardiff.
The change comes after West Ham slipped to eighth, six points behind leaders Middlesbrough and four points adrift of the automatic promotion places. The Hammers were widely expected to challenge for an immediate return to the Premier League after relegation last season.
Back-to-back home defeats prompt change
Nuno, 52, leaves after 13 league matches. West Ham have won two of their past six games, and consecutive defeats at London Stadium saw them fall from second in the table.
They lost 3-2 to Southampton before a 3-1 defeat by West Bromwich Albion on Saturday. The result intensified pressure on Nuno and preceded the club’s decision to end his tenure.
West Ham said its board had reviewed the start to the season and decided a change was needed to keep the club’s objectives on track. Assistant head coach Rui Pedro Silva and goalkeeper coach Rui Barbosa have also left.
Parker in advanced talks
Parker is expected to become the next head coach, though his appointment has not yet been confirmed. The former England midfielder played for West Ham for four seasons, making 129 appearances between 2007 and 2011.
He has also managed Burnley, Bournemouth and Fulham, and led Bournemouth and Burnley to promotion from the Championship. West Ham are moving quickly: Parker could be confirmed before the Cardiff match.
For that trip, club figures Mark Noble, Steve Potts and Gerard Prenderville are set to take temporary charge. The match offers an immediate test for a side whose promotion push has lost momentum, while the next appointment will shape the club’s attempt to regain ground in the table.
