West Ham sack Nuno Espirito Santo after poor start to Championship season
West Ham have sacked Nuno Espirito Santo with immediate effect, with the club eighth in the Championship and short of the automatic promotion places.
Nuno's final game was Saturday's 3-1 home defeat by West Bromwich Albion, a result that saw the visitors move above West Ham in the table. It followed a 3-2 home loss to Southampton on October 24.
Promotion push stalls
West Ham were widely expected to bounce straight back to the Premier League after last season's relegation, and Nuno was tasked with leading that return.
Instead, the East London club have won only six of their 13 league games, drawing four and losing three. That haul leaves them six points behind leaders Middlesbrough and four adrift of second-placed Swansea City.
The Portuguese coach, 52, is not leaving alone. West Ham have confirmed that assistant head coach Rui Pedro Silva and goalkeeper coach Rui Barbosa have also left the club.
"West Ham United can confirm that men’s first-team Head Coach Nuno Espírito Santo has left his position with immediate effect," the club statement said.
"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."
A reprieve that did not last
Nuno arrived on a three-year contract in September 2025, replacing the sacked Graham Potter with West Ham 19th in the Premier League. He was unable to keep them up, and relegation was confirmed on the final day of the season.
His position had already come under scrutiny within months of his appointment, but the club opted to keep faith with him in January. Days after relegation was sealed, West Ham issued a statement confirming he would stay on.
Before West Ham, Nuno managed Wolverhampton Wanderers, Tottenham Hotspur and Nottingham Forest.
Club legend Mark Noble will take temporary charge alongside Steve Potts and Gerard Prenderville, with West Ham travelling to Cardiff City on Wednesday night.
