Nuno Espírito Santo has been confirmed as West Ham United’s new manager following Graham Potter’s dismissal after just eight months in charge, with the Hammers languishing in 19th place in the Premier League table.
Potter, 50, was sacked on Saturday morning after a dismal start to the season that has seen West Ham lose four of their first five matches, winning just one. The club have conceded a league-worst 13 goals in five games and sit second from bottom, prompting the board to act swiftly.
Assistant coach Bruno Saltor and first-team coaches Billy Reid and Narcis Pelach have also departed with immediate effect, alongside goalkeeper coaches Casper Ankergren and Linus Kandolin. The comprehensive clear-out underlines the depth of concern at the London Stadium.
Swift Appointment
West Ham moved quickly to secure Nuno’s services, with the Portuguese coach signing a three-year contract just hours after Potter’s departure. The 51-year-old will take charge for Monday’s crucial Premier League clash away at Everton, facing his predecessor David Moyes who left West Ham in May 2024.
“I am very pleased to be here and very proud to be representing West Ham United,” Nuno said upon his appointment. “My objective is to work hard to get the very best from the team and ensure that we are as competitive as we possibly can be.”
The former Wolves and Tottenham manager added: “The work has already started and I am looking forward to the challenge that is ahead.” He will be assisted in the interim by Academy coaches Mark Robson, Steve Potts, Gerard Prenderville and Billy Lepine.
Potter’s Failed Project
Potter’s tenure at the London Stadium proved deeply disappointing, with the club winning just six of 25 games under his stewardship whilst losing 14. He had replaced Julen Lopetegui in January but failed to arrest a slide that began in the second half of last season.
The former Brighton and Chelsea boss held positive talks with the West Ham hierarchy on Friday afternoon, revealing in his final press conference that discussions about his future had been constructive. However, the board decided overnight that immediate change was necessary.
“Results and performances over the course of the second half of last season and the start of the 2025-26 season have not matched expectations,” the club stated. The board believed “a change is necessary in order to help improve the team’s position in the Premier League as soon as possible.
Defensive Crisis
West Ham’s defensive frailties have been particularly alarming, with the 13 goals conceded representing the worst record in the top flight. The Hammers suffered a 3-0 home defeat to Tottenham on 13 September that saw Tomáš Souček sent off, dropping them into the relegation zone.
The opening day 3-0 defeat at newly-promoted Sunderland set the tone for a miserable campaign. Chelsea inflicted a 5-1 thrashing at the London Stadium, whilst Crystal Palace secured a 2-1 victory last weekend that proved to be Potter’s final match in charge.
Supporters have vented their anger at both Potter and the club hierarchy during recent games. Following the EFL Cup exit at Wolves, captain Jarrod Bowen had to be restrained by stewards after attempting to confront fans who had apparently directed comments at him from the stands.
Nuno’s Track Record
Nuno arrives with significant Premier League experience, having guided Wolves from the Championship to successive seventh-place finishes and European qualification. His most recent role at Nottingham Forest saw him lead the club to a seventh-place finish and FA Cup semi-final last season.
The Portuguese coach was dismissed by Forest earlier this month after just three games of the new campaign, reportedly following clashes with the hierarchy. His availability made him an obvious candidate for West Ham, who needed an experienced manager capable of immediate impact.
His tactical approach, typically favouring defensive solidity and counter-attacking football, could suit West Ham’s squad. The model mirrors elements of David Moyes’ successful blueprint during his two spells at the club, including the 2023 Conference League triumph.
Immediate Challenges
Nuno’s first priority will be addressing the catastrophic defensive record that has undermined West Ham’s season. The new manager must quickly organise a backline that has looked vulnerable against all levels of opposition.
Monday’s trip to Goodison Park presents an intriguing first test, with Everton managed by Moyes who departed West Ham despite finishing ninth and winning European silverware. The Toffees themselves have endured a difficult start, sitting tenth with seven points from five matches.
Following Everton, West Ham face a daunting run of fixtures including Arsenal away on 4 October. The new manager will need to extract immediate improvements to avoid the club being cut adrift at the bottom of the table before the international break.
Board Under Pressure
The West Ham hierarchy faces scrutiny over their managerial appointments, with Potter becoming the third manager since Moyes’ second departure in summer 2024. Lopetegui lasted just six months before Potter’s ill-fated appointment in January.
David Sullivan and the board’s decision-making has come under increasing fire from supporters frustrated by the club’s regression. Having won the Conference League in 2023 and consistently finished in the top half under Moyes, expectations had risen considerably.
Recruitment chief Kyle Macaulay, a long-time ally of Potter, will remain in his role despite the managerial change. His position may come under review if Nuno cannot extract better performances from a squad that includes significant investment in recent transfer windows.
Historical Context
West Ham’s appointment of Nuno represents their latest attempt to find stability following Moyes’ departure. The Scottish manager had delivered sixth, seventh and ninth-place finishes alongside European glory but was still deemed expendable.
The club described Nuno as “among the most highly respected coaches in the modern game” with “outstanding coaching ability, tactical acumen and leadership qualities.” These attributes will be immediately tested as he attempts to rescue a season threatening to spiral out of control.
His three-year contract suggests the board view this as a long-term appointment rather than a firefighting mission. However, immediate results will be essential to ease pressure and restore confidence among players and supporters alike.
What Happens Next
Nuno must quickly assess his squad and implement his tactical approach ahead of Monday’s crucial encounter with Everton. The Portuguese coach’s preference for a back three could see formation changes as he seeks defensive stability.
Further additions to his coaching staff are expected to be announced in due course, with Nuno likely to bring trusted lieutenants to support the interim Academy coaching team currently in place.
For West Ham, the appointment represents another roll of the dice as they attempt to arrest an alarming decline. With just three points from five matches and a goal difference of minus eight, the new manager faces an immediate battle to preserve the club’s Premier League status.
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