West Ham United are doing their best, reportedly, to put together a team off the pitch to give Nuno the best chance of bouncing back to the Premier League at the first attempt.
Irrespective of what may be happening in the boardroom, news from around the club suggests they have done their best to retain Nuno’s highly regarded right hand man from last season – Paco Jemez – but as yet have still had no definitive response from the Spaniard.
As relayed by exwhuemployee on thewesthamway.com today:
“It still remains unclear whether Paco will return to his role at the club,” added Ex. “He has an offer on the table from West Ham but he is said to favour becoming a Head Coach elsewhere however if a suitable offer doesn’t come in he could remain.”
Bearing in mind that Paco’s sole ‘Manager’ roles have come in Spain – mostly in the second tier– and Iran, West Ham management and fans alike can still hold out reasonable optimism that he may struggle to find a better – remunerated role than at Nuno’s side.
Paco Jemez’ coaching stats look good for the second tier in which he’s been operating, but alone that doesn’t qualify him for a top-table managerial appointment: Perhaps the West Ham offer will prove the best on the table as the summer progresses.
Paco Jemez managerial record (transfermarkt)
It has to be hoped that Jemez chooses to return for another stint at east London, although from many varied reports at the end of the season, Nuno Espírito Santo is evidently NOT the easiest of characters to work under, which may explain Paco’s desire to go it alone.
That West Ham need Paco is without question after the uptick in results that coincided with his arrival in January.
Yes Paco is popular with the fan base, and with good reason. But equally it is a role that could be used for a younger and perhaps less experienced candidate to use the position to potentially be the replacement for Nuno in two or three years. Continuity is something we as a club used to pride ourself on – think Greenwood/Lyall. Paco’s record in recent years is hardly pulling up trees but he clearly is liked by the players. Personally I think he will find it hard to find a position in Spain, these days the trend is more towards younger managers and Irn for now is a closed door. Don’t get me wrong it would be good if he stays, but equally if he doesn’t then we should consider how we want to use the position.