Claret & Hugh has received fresh information from a West Ham United club insider clarifying how Scott Parker was selected as the Hammers’ new head coach, including a categorical denial that former assistant coach Johnny Heitinga was ever in contention for the job.
A number of names were considered following the decision to dismiss Nuno Espírito Santo, but we understand that Parker was the only candidate put forward by chief executive Karim Virani. His record of winning promotion from the Championship, combined with his knowledge of West Ham and its culture, made him the clear frontrunner from the outset.
Crucially, our source has confirmed that Parker was the unanimous first choice of the entire West Ham board, rather than a compromise appointment reached after disagreements over alternative candidates.
John Heitinga was not interviewed for the Hammers job
West Ham Insider Denies Heitinga Talks
There had been suggestions that former Hammers assistant Johnny Heitinga, who previously worked under David Moyes, was among those being considered for the vacancy.
However, a club insider has told Claret & Hugh:
“There were no talks with Jonny Heitinga and he was not under consideration.”
The clarification is significant because it rules out Heitinga as a candidate, rather than simply suggesting that West Ham preferred Parker.
It also provides further detail about the appointment process. As Claret & Hugh revealed on Monday, Parker had emerged as the leading contender shortly after Nuno’s dismissal, although his appointment had not yet been finalised.
We subsequently reported details of Parker’s promotion-linked contract arrangements, reflecting the board’s determination to secure an immediate return to the Premier League.
The latest information makes clear that, while other names were considered during the process, Parker was the candidate backed by Virani and unanimously supported by West Ham’s directors.