West Ham turn to Scott Parker after ending Nuno Espirito Santo’s reign

West Ham United have sacked Nuno Espirito Santo with immediate effect following a disappointing start to their bid for a swift return to the Premier League.

The club were relegated to the English second tier last season, with Nuno unable to prevent their drop. However, the board had hoped to avoid spending more than one campaign outside the top flight.

According to The Athletic, West Ham have already begun considering candidates to replace the Portuguese manager. Former midfielder Scott Parker is currently regarded as the leading contender.

West Ham’s back-to-back home defeats by Southampton and West Bromwich Albion left them eighth in the Championship after 13 rounds of matches. That is the final position offering access to the promotion play-offs, but the results were deemed unacceptable by the club’s hierarchy.

Parker has been without a club since leaving Burnley in April. He has experience of winning promotion to the Premier League with both Burnley and Fulham.

His appointment is expected to receive a positive response from West Ham supporters because of his previous connection with the club. Parker spent four years as a player with West Ham during his playing career.

Another name under consideration is Rob Edwards, who was dismissed by Wolverhampton Wanderers after the club were relegated from the Premier League.

Edwards left Middlesbrough in November last year while the team were second in the Championship. He also guided Luton Town to promotion to the Premier League.

West Ham are due to play Cardiff City on Wednesday evening. Mark Noble, Steve Potts and Gerard Prendergast will oversee preparations for the match.

In a statement, West Ham United said: “West Ham United confirms that men’s first-team head coach Nuno Espirito Santo has left his position with immediate effect.”

The club added: “Following a comprehensive review of the team’s start to life in the Championship, the board feels that a change in coaching staff is necessary at this time to ensure the club continues to move in line with its objectives and ambitions.”

Assistant coach Rui Pedro Silva and goalkeeping coach Rui Barbosa have also left the club.

West Ham said: “West Ham United would like to thank Nuno, Rui and Rui for their hard work and commitment during their time with the club and wish them all the best for their future careers. The process of identifying a new head coach is already under way.”