West Ham United have officially confirmed the appointment of Scott Parker as our new head coach, with the former Hammers captain signing a two-and-a-half-year contract. The announcement also confirms that Parker will take charge of tonight’s Championship fixture against Cardiff City, rather than Mark Noble, who had been overseeing preparations following Nuno Espírito Santo’s dismissal.
In a statement published on the official West Ham website, the club confirmed that Parker will be supported by Steve Potts, Gerard Prenderville and Billy Lepine, while Noble will work closely with his former teammate. Further details of the permanent coaching structure will be announced in due course.
Parker returns to West Ham having achieved promotion from the Championship with Fulham, Bournemouth and Burnley. It’s an impressive record and, with the Hammers desperate to return to the Premier League at the first attempt, I think there are plenty of reasons to be excited about his appointment.
Scott Parker Promises Passion And Commitment
Speaking following his appointment, Parker made it clear just how much returning to West Ham means to him.
“It is a very proud moment for me to step into this role and return to a Club that means so much to me and my family.”
The new manager also spoke passionately about his determination to secure promotion, pointing to his previous Championship experience and the importance of bringing consistency to West Ham’s performances.
“I’ve been in this division three times and I’ve got out of this division three times.”
That experience is precisely what West Ham need at the moment, but it’s not the only reason I’m looking forward to seeing Parker in the dugout.
West Ham Need Parker’s Passion On The Touchline
I’ve got to say, I’m pretty excited about Scott Parker coming in. He wouldn’t necessarily have been my first choice, but I think his passion and enthusiasm will represent a real change from the softly spoken Nuno Espírito Santo. West Ham are a club that need a demonstrative manager on the touchline, somebody who looks as though he’s kicking every ball alongside the players.
I want to see a manager who communicates, motivates and shows the same urgency that we expect from the team. Parker has always struck me as somebody who understands what West Ham means to its supporters, and I think that connection could be particularly important after a difficult few months.
As Nuno’s departure demonstrated, something needed to change at the London Stadium. Parker now has an immediate opportunity to lift the players, improve performances and get West Ham’s promotion campaign moving in the right direction.
There is also something reassuring about having Parker, Noble and Potts involved in the club’s footballing setup. They understand West Ham, they know what supporters expect, and there should be no shortage of passion in the dugout.
Of course, none of that guarantees results, but I’m pleased with the appointment. We’ve brought in somebody who knows the Championship, understands West Ham and genuinely wants to be here.
Now let’s see what Scotty P can do.
Correct appointment to get us up which is the imperative for financial reasons, as a fan I quite like the Championship but that’s by the by we belong at the highest level of English football.
Correct appointment for after that is moot but that doesn’t become a consideration until we do go up so it is the correct appointment given the circumstances at this time.
Now looking forward to tonights game whereas I had doubts….
Not my first choice either Gonzo, but I too am getting excited about this past hero running the team. Concerns seem to be with his Premier League record, but we are a long way from that at the moment. If he succeeds he will be taking up the biggest club he has managed by some way and his transfer budget should reflect that and increase his ability to stay up next time.
Wasn’t what I was thinking (I wasn’t thinking anyone to be honest, it was a bit quicker this sacking that what I’ve become used to).
I’ll take it though, he has the experience, he’s West Ham and has Mr West Ham alongside him.
Now, I’m just hoping that the club inserted buyback clauses on some of the academy departures under Nuno.
I’m happy to accept it’s possible it was the right thing to do for player and club, but my gut tells me different.
I like scottie my worry is why was he out of work there wasn’t a queue of clubs trying to hire him and also for the same reason they shouldn’t have guaranteed him a 2 year contract if promoted.
It seems a bit cheap and panicky.