West Ham sack Nuno Espírito Santo and move to appoint Scott Parker as head coach

West Ham United sacked Nuno Espírito Santo and moved to appoint Scott Parker as head coach on 3 November 2026, the club said. Parker has been out of work since leaving Burnley last season and is the preferred candidate to replace Nuno.

The club had kept faith with Nuno after last season’s relegation from the Premier League, but that patience ended after a poor start to the EFL Championship campaign. Nuno took over from Graham Potter in September 2025 and was given 33 games to try to prevent relegation. Despite that run of matches, results did not reverse and the club opted for a change of leadership.

West Ham sat eighth in the Championship following last Saturday’s 3-1 defeat by West Bromwich Albion, a result that contributed to the decision to dismiss Nuno. The club are intent on an instant return to the top flight and want to get their automatic promotion hopes back on track.

After taking charge in September 2025, Nuno struggled to get his ideas across; his tactics were poor, his team selections were confusing and his signings have not worked out. That assessment formed part of the case for replacing him with a manager the club believe can alter the trajectory of the season.

Assistant head coach Rui Pedro Silva and goalkeeper coach Rui Barbosa have also departed the club. “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,” the club said.

Parker is a former West Ham player and his backroom staff is expected to include his former teammate Mark Noble. The club added: “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.”

There is optimism Parker will be in place when West Ham visit Cardiff City on Wednesday, with the club aiming to have new leadership ready for that fixture.