West Ham United sack Nuno Espirito Santo after poor Championship start

West Ham United have parted company with manager Nuno Espirito Santo with immediate effect after a difficult opening to their EFL Championship campaign.

The Portuguese coach, who previously managed Tottenham Hotspur and Nottingham Forest, took charge of the Hammers in September 2025 after replacing Graham Potter.

Nuno Espirito Santo leaves after 53 matches in charge across all competitions. His record was 19 wins, 15 draws and 19 defeats.

West Ham are eighth in the Championship, with 22 points from their first 13 matches. Their latest game ended in a 3-1 defeat by West Brom.

Mark Noble, Steve Potts and Gerard Prenderville will oversee the team temporarily while the club searches for a permanent successor. The trio will prepare the squad for Wednesday evening’s Championship fixture away to Cardiff City.

Assistant Head Coach Rui Pedro Silva and Goalkeeper Coach Rui Barbosa have also left the club.

In a statement, West Ham said: “West Ham United can confirm that men’s first-team Head Coach Nuno Espirito Santo has left his position with immediate effect.

“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.

“Assistant Head Coach Rui Pedro Silva and Goalkeeper Coach Rui Barbosa have also departed.

“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 underway.

“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, and the Club will make no further comment until the appointment of the new Head Coach is confirmed.”

Nuno had taken over at West Ham in September 2025, but his departure comes after the club’s board reviewed the team’s progress at the beginning of the season.

The club said the decision was intended to keep its objectives and expectations on course, while confirming that the search for a new Head Coach had already begun.