WEST HAM SACK NUNO ESPIRITO SANTO, MOVE TO APPOINT SCOTT PARKER

West Ham United have sacked Nuno Espírito Santo as head coach after a poor start to the Championship season. The decision follows a 3-1 home defeat by West Bromwich Albion last Saturday, West Ham's second consecutive defeat at the London Stadium. The club is poised to appoint Scott Parker as his successor. West Ham said in a statement that "the board of directors believe that a change is necessary at this time." Assistant head coach Rui Pedro Silva and goalkeeper coach Rui Barbosa have also left the club. West Ham sit eighth in the Championship table, six points behind leaders Middlesbrough.

Nuno took over as head coach in September 2025, replacing Graham Potter, with 33 games in charge before West Ham were relegated from the Premier League last season. He signed a three-year contract, and the club kept faith with him over the summer in the hope of an immediate return to the Premier League, retaining captain Jarrod Bowen in the squad. His side won just six of their first 13 Championship fixtures this season and only two of their last seven matches in all competitions. West Ham thanked Nuno, Silva and Barbosa "for their hard work and commitment during their time at the club, and wish them all the very best for the future."

Parker, a former West Ham player, has been out of work since leaving Burnley last season. He is expected to be in place for West Ham's Championship fixture away at Cardiff City on Wednesday. His backroom staff is expected to include his former West Ham teammate Mark Noble. West Ham remain intent on an immediate return to the Premier League and automatic promotion.