By Kris Gonzo | Senior West Ham Columnist (Follow on X)
Nuno Espirito Santo’s right-hand man, Paco Jemez, has kept West Ham supporters guessing over his future ever since the season ended with a 3-0 victory over Leeds United.
However, a recent social media post from the Spaniard suggests the delay may not be his decision at all.
It appears he is still waiting to discover whether Nuno intends to offer him a role for the Championship campaign.
Posting on his X account last night, Paco wrote:
“I’ve enjoyed the affection received at West Ham. It’s an honour and a luxury that they recognise your work. I spoke with Nuno and I wouldn’t mind staying, but if things get sorted out… While news arrives, I’m looking at projects outside of Spain that make me feel alive.”
Paco Appears To Be Waiting
The key phrase is “while news arrives”, coupled with his admission that he “wouldn’t mind staying.”
That sounds very much like somebody waiting for a phone call, or at least some indication as to whether he is wanted.
It is a surprising situation given the impact Jemez appeared to have after joining the club in January.
Nuno Espirito Santo and Paco quickly developed an entertaining partnership on the touchline, with the Spaniard often passionately remonstrating with his manager during matches. Their animated exchange over the introduction of Max Kilman at Stamford Bridge became one of the more memorable moments of the run-in.
Time Is Starting To Run Short
With the coaching staff already looking leaner than last season, you would expect an appointment like this to have been resolved by now.
West Ham return for pre-season training next week, yet the club are still without a full complement of backroom staff, a permanent head of recruitment and, so far, a senior summer signing.
It is far from ideal if somebody who could play an important role in the promotion campaign is now openly saying he is considering opportunities elsewhere while waiting for clarity.
I suspect the truth probably lies somewhere in the middle, and I find it difficult to believe Paco has had no contact from either West Ham or Nuno at all.
But equally, it is clearly not enough to stop him taking to social media to explain his predicament to supporters.
From the outside looking in, it certainly appears that if the job is offered, he will accept.
If he is no longer part of Nuno’s plans, though, it would probably be only fair to let Paco know so he can move on with his career.
Bearing in mind the influence Paco had on our results after being appointed, Nuno may see him as a threat for his job later this season.
Nuno for me is going to be a Mistake DK will hopefully not live to regret but i do not think i am wrong..my opinion of course but his brand of football is just not suited to our club and he is constantly thinking defensive instead of how to go at games and win them comfortably…to many times in winning situations he went defensive and it cost us and the debacle that was the Newcastle game for me was not the worst last season the Villa away game in all my days i had never seen such a disjointed display by a team that had not one clue what the plan was..same at Wolves and as mentioned Newcastle….i do not see anything changing under Nuno even when we are the biggest scalp in the division.
I wish West Ham would get Pavo signed up and stop messing around. We could loose a very important member of our team. We will live to regret it
So come on let’s get him signed
He did make a massive difference on his arrivalsue
Paco, Axel Disasi. Get this done.
Pretty please.
Previous articles indicated Nuno had already contacted Paco seems to be some contradiction.
Nuno needs to confirm with Paco that he’s wanted and also sort out rest of his staff.
Potter didn’t get a proper preseason Nuno’s needs to be better organised.
Tick. Tick. Tick.
Do we know if Nuno has definitely made a concrete decision to stay?
Just get it done West Ham the players and fans like him, s what is Nuno waiting for, maybe he feels threatened by Paco
Waiting for Nils Koppen to have his say?
I think we should have offered him the job He did more for us that Potter Lopetigui OR Nuno did in a very short while
I am beginning to think that Nuno is a bit too big for his boots the amount of players he has fallen out with even JWP although to old for us now what a silly thing for him not to play him too touchy about his bald head
Whoever makes the decisions needs to get him onboard