Nuno Espírito Santo's West Ham tenure ends amid Scott Parker talk

EFL Championship side West Ham United have parted company with head coach Nuno Espírito Santo after 13 league matchdays.

The London club wasted no time in making the decision after back-to-back defeats against Southampton and West Bromwich Albion left them in 8th place, 6 points behind leaders Middlesbrough.

The Portuguese coach, appointed in September 2025 to replace Graham Potter, had been unable to prevent the team's relegation from the Premier League on the final matchday of the 2025-26 season.

Nuno recorded 19 wins, 15 draws and 19 defeats in a total of 53 matches in charge of West Ham, a win rate of 35.8%. That is the second-lowest win percentage of the experienced coach's career, after his first head coaching job at Rio Ave (33.3%). The London club scored 90 goals and conceded 80 in those matches.

The club's official statement read:

"West Ham United can confirm that men's first-team head coach Nuno Espírito Santo has left the club with immediate effect. Following a thorough review of the start to the EFL Championship season, the Board believes that a change is necessary at this time to ensure the club's aims and ambitions remain on track."

Scott Parker is reported to be the leading candidate for the head coach's job at West Ham, who travel to Cardiff City on Wednesday. Parker, who made 129 appearances for the club as a player and most recently left Burnley in April, is known for his considerable experience in the EFL Championship. The English coach has previously led Fulham, Bournemouth and Burnley to promotion to the Premier League.