WEST HAM NAME SCOTT PARKER HEAD COACH

West Ham United have appointed former captain Scott Parker as head coach on a two-and-a-half-year contract, a day after dismissing Nuno Espírito Santo.

The club announced the appointment on Wednesday, with Parker expected to take charge against Cardiff City in the Championship that evening.

The 46-year-old returns with a strong promotion record, having guided Fulham, Bournemouth and Burnley from the Championship to the Premier League.

Parker described the appointment as a proud moment and said his connection with West Ham’s supporters made the opportunity particularly meaningful.

“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,” he said.

He expressed confidence in the club’s ambition to return to the Premier League, while warning that consistency and commitment would be essential.

Parker made 129 appearances for West Ham between 2007 and 2011, winning the club’s player-of-the-year award three times in succession.

His coaching achievements include promotions with Fulham in 2020, Bournemouth in 2022 and Burnley in 2025. He was also named Championship Manager of the Season for 2024/25.

Steve Potts, Gerard Prenderville and Billy Lepine will assist him initially, while former teammate Mark Noble will work closely with the new coach.

West Ham said further details of the permanent backroom team would follow.

Nuno’s departure came after a review of the club’s start to the Championship season. Assistant coach Rui Pedro Silva and goalkeeping coach Rui Barbosa also left their roles.