West Ham sack Sao Tome-born Nuno Espirito Santo after Championship slump

West Ham United have sacked Nuno Espirito Santo following a disappointing run of results that has left the club eighth in the Championship, with former midfielder Scott Parker expected to take over as head coach.

The decision was announced on Tuesday after consecutive home defeats against Southampton and West Bromwich Albion further derailed the Hammers’ attempts to secure an immediate return to the Premier League.

The Sao Tome-born tactician’s dismissal brings an end to his spell at the London Stadium, which began in September 2025 when he was appointed to rescue a struggling side. However, he was unable to prevent West Ham’s relegation from the Premier League, ending their top-flight stay for the first time since 2011.

Despite initially receiving backing from the club’s hierarchy, the Portuguese manager has now paid the price for the team’s inconsistent performances as pressure mounts on West Ham to revive their promotion campaign.

“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,” West Ham said in a statement.

The club also confirmed that the search for a replacement was already underway, with preparations for their next fixture placed in the hands of an interim coaching team.

“The process of recruiting a new head coach is already underway,” the statement added.

“Mark Noble, Steve Potts and Gerard Prenderville will take temporary charge of squad preparations ahead of tomorrow evening’s EFL Championship fixture at Cardiff City.”

Back-to-back defeats seal Nuno’s fate

Nuno’s departure follows a difficult period in which West Ham have struggled to maintain consistency after their return to the Championship.

Their latest setback came on Saturday when West Bromwich Albion secured a 3-1 victory at the London Stadium, pushing West Ham below them in the league standings.

That defeat came just days after Southampton claimed a 3-2 win at the same venue on October 24, leaving the Hammers with consecutive home losses at a crucial stage of their campaign.

The London club had initially shown signs of improvement under Nuno, who was named Championship Manager of the Month in September. However, their performances subsequently declined, raising concerns about their ability to challenge for promotion.

West Ham have collected six victories, four draws and three defeats from their opening 13 league matches.

The results leave them six points behind league leaders Middlesbrough and four adrift of second-placed Swansea City, with the club’s ambitions of an immediate return to the Premier League facing an early test.

Scott Parker poised for West Ham return

Scott Parker is expected to be appointed as Nuno’s successor, with an agreement already in place for the former West Ham midfielder to take charge.

The 46-year-old is familiar with the club, having spent four years at Upton Park as a player, during which he captained the side and collected multiple Player of the Year awards.

Parker has been out of work since leaving Burnley by mutual consent last season, shortly after the club’s relegation from the Premier League was confirmed.

He previously managed Fulham, Bournemouth and Belgian side Club Brugge, building a reputation as a coach capable of guiding teams through the Championship promotion race.

His experience in the second tier could prove particularly valuable to West Ham, having secured promotion from the Championship on three separate occasions during his managerial career.

Immediate promotion pressure for incoming boss

Parker’s expected appointment comes with significant expectations, given West Ham’s stature and their determination to return to the Premier League at the first attempt.

The club had been widely tipped to mount a strong promotion challenge following their relegation last season, but their inconsistent start has complicated those ambitions.

There is also the possibility that former team-mate Mark Noble, who is currently among the officials overseeing preparations following Nuno’s departure, could become part of Parker’s backroom staff.

West Ham are hoping to have their new head coach in the dugout for Wednesday evening’s away fixture against Cardiff City.

Until then, Noble, Potts and Prenderville will oversee the squad as the Hammers attempt to halt their slide and prevent further ground from being lost in the promotion race.