West Ham reportedly have a contingency plan regarding Nuno
All well-run clubs have contingency plans in case a manager moves on or is sacked. Not many West Ham United fans will consider their club in the same regard as Brighton & Hove Albion, Brentford, or AFC Bournemouth. However, one potential replacement for Nuno Espírito Santo has been leaked.
Football Insider has reported that "West Ham United have made preliminary contact with Rob Edwards at a time when he rejected an approach to become Burnley's next manager."
Edwards is wise to turn down the Burnley job despite them just coming back down from the Premier League. The Clarets are currently 22nd in the Championship, and turning their season around would have been a very difficult task.
He has notable experience in the EFL, having won League Two with Forest Green Rovers and having got Luton Town promoted to the Premier League via the playoffs. Edwards also had Middlesbrough second in the Championship before being poached by Wolverhampton Wanderers.
There was shock when Edwards made the switch to Wolves as they seemed destined to be relegated from the Premier League. However, he is a Wolves legend from his playing days. Edwards has also previously worked as their Under-18s and U21s boss. He had also served as the club's assistant manager with the first team under Kenny Jackett, Paul Lambert and Walter Zenga. Edwards was also their caretaker boss briefly when Zenga was sacked.
Nuno should not be seriously under pressure
It was only recently that fans were happy with Nuno following the victory over Swansea City. However, after the defeat at home to Southampton last weekend, many supporters have turned on the manager.
The Hammers are currently third in the Championship, and could go top this weekend, providing Middlesbrough and Swansea City slip up. Automatic promotion is what is expected of Nuno. However, the last time West Ham were promoted from the Championship was via the playoffs. That was under Sam Allardyce, who then established the Hammers in the Premier League. Therefore, West Ham fans should not be clamoring for Nuno to go right now.
It is good that West Ham has a contingency plan for Nuno. Edwards would be a strong candidate given the job he did with Luton. However, the Hammers could also be looking at other contenders. Michael Carrick could soon be out of a job. He is a former West Ham player with experience in the Championship with Boro. Also, Scott Parker, who has achieved promotion from the Championship with Fulham, Bournemouth and Burnley, is also available. Parker is also a West Ham legend, who would instantly get the fans onside.
