West Ham United have confirmed that Nuno Espírito Santo has been sacked with immediate effect following mounting pressure on the Hammers head coach over the past few days.
The Portuguese manager’s position had become increasingly precarious following consecutive defeats against Southampton and West Bromwich Albion, with concerns growing behind the scenes that the club’s automatic promotion ambitions were slipping away.
As Claret & Hugh reported earlier, there had been growing indications from within the club that Nuno was no longer safe in his position. Daniel Křetínský was understood to be increasingly unimpressed with performances, and the decision to act suggests the West Ham hierarchy were no longer prepared to allow the situation to continue.
Rumours had also emerged yesterday that discussions were already taking place over the identity of West Ham’s next head coach, suggesting that preparations for a possible managerial change were underway.
The decision is particularly significant given Křetínský’s previous backing of Nuno. However, as our earlier research into his managerial decisions at Sparta Prague demonstrated, the Czech billionaire has a history of making changes when he believes a club’s objectives are under threat.
West Ham have now confirmed that the change has been made following a review of the Championship campaign.
West Ham Confirm Nuno Departure
In an official statement, the club announced:
West Ham United can confirm that men’s first-team Head Coach Nuno Espírito Santo has left his position with immediate effect.
Following a thorough review of the start to the EFL Championship season, the Board of Directors believe that a change is necessary at this time in order to ensure that the Club’s objectives and expectations remain on track.
Assistant Head Coach Rui Pedro Silva and Goalkeeper Coach Rui Barbosa have also departed.
West Ham United would like to thank Nuno, Rui and Rui for their hard work and commitment during their time at the Club, and wish them all the very best for the future.
The process of recruiting a new Head Coach is already underway.
Mark Noble, Steve Potts and Gerard Prenderville will take temporary charge of squad preparations ahead of tomorrow evening’s EFL Championship fixture at Cardiff City, and the Club will make no further comment until the appointment of the new Head Coach is confirmed.
West Ham must now move quickly to appoint a replacement, with the Championship promotion race continuing and tomorrow night’s trip to Cardiff City fast approaching.
Let’s hope it’s Kieran McKenna he’s done the job twice successfully , he knows about promotion
Well, that kinda makes a mockery of my last 2 comments in previous articles!
Here I am thinking that we’ll get to Christmas and Nuno would have been on his fifteenth “2 more games to save his job” territory, and Křetínský does this and steals my thunder.
What am I going to whinge about now?
“Bl00dy London Stadium, the grass is too green…”
“The ball’s not as round as it used to be…”
Have to say I’m a little shocked, but it’s also a little refreshing that we’re finally seeing decisive leadership.
Let’s wait to see who the new fella is, but finally a majority shareholder with a backbone.
Interesting times.
We really have to get this next appointment right. Nuno took us down but somehow persuaded the board to keep him but his favouritism of some players and isolation of others has brought about his own downfall. Unsure about a lot of the names mentioned maybe Bellamy would bring the most passion to the dugout but also like what I have heard about the guy who left Karlsruhe
Well done the board.None of this we’re give him three games fiasco under the previous regime.
Thank God the board did not carry on with him hoping for improvement as it was so obvious he had lost the plot.Picking his favourites even though some have been awful Falling out with players ,no urgency on the pitch,no fight and all with the best squad in the division.Now appoint the right man and somebody who has a connection with our club and gets this lot licked into shape and prepare to fight for the shirt.
Scott Parker or Craig Bellamy anyone ?
Great news
Genuinely can’t believe they did it. I’m delighted for the time being, but we’ll see who they appoint. Hopefully not another loser retread…