West Ham sack Nuno Espírito Santo, with Scott Parker reported in line to replace him

As of 7:11 a.m. ET, Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026

West Ham United sacked head coach Nuno Espírito Santo on Tuesday after a disappointing start to the club's first season back in England's second tier, and several British outlets reported that former West Ham midfielder Scott Parker is close to replacing him.

"West Ham United can confirm that men's first-team head coach Nuno Espírito Santo has left his position with immediate effect," the club said in a statement carried by AFP, the BBC and the Evening Standard. "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 also left. The club said the search for a new head coach was "already underway" and that Mark Noble, Steve Potts and Gerard Prenderville would take temporary charge of preparations for Wednesday's Championship match at Cardiff City. West Ham said they would make "no further comment until the appointment of the new head coach is confirmed."

Eighth after 13 games

West Ham, widely tipped for automatic promotion after their relegation from the Premier League last season, are eighth in the Championship, six points behind leaders Middlesbrough, AFP and the BBC reported. They are four points off the automatic promotion places, according to Sky Sports.

The Hammers have won six of their 13 league games, but back-to-back home defeats, 3-2 to Southampton and 3-1 to West Bromwich Albion on Saturday, dropped them from second place, the BBC reported.

"This is the reality: we can only change this if we win games," Nuno said after the West Brom loss, according to Sky Sports.

Nuno, 52, a former Wolves, Tottenham and Nottingham Forest manager, replaced Graham Potter in September 2025 but could not keep West Ham up. The club kept him on after relegation. The BBC said West Ham are now looking for their fourth permanent manager since David Moyes left in May 2024.

Parker reported in line

BBC Sport said it understands West Ham are in advanced talks with Parker and that he could be confirmed before the Cardiff match. The Guardian's Jacob Steinberg reported that West Ham are "poised to appoint" Parker, with "optimism he will be in place" by Wednesday. Sky Sports News also said talks were at an advanced stage, and the Evening Standard reported that a deal was close to completion.

West Ham have not confirmed Parker's appointment.

Parker, 46, played for West Ham from 2007 to 2011 and made 129 appearances, Sky Sports reported. He was the club's player of the year three times, according to the BBC. As a manager he has won promotion from the Championship with Fulham, Bournemouth and Burnley. He has been out of work since leaving Burnley after their relegation from the Premier League last season.