West Ham sack Nuno Espirito Santo following poor Championship start
West Ham United have sacked head coach Nuno Espirito Santo after a disappointing start to their EFL Championship campaign.
The 52-year-old manager leaves the London Stadium with the club sitting eighth in the table after 13 matches, having lost back-to-back home fixtures.
Board decides to take immediate action
The decision comes after a 3-1 loss against West Bromwich Albion on Saturday, which followed a 3-2 defeat to Southampton on home soil. The club have managed just two wins in their last six league matches.
Explaining the decision to part ways with the manager, a West Ham United 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.
The hierarchy also confirmed that assistant head coach Rui Pedro Silva and goalkeeper coach Rui Barbosa have left the East London side alongside the former Wolverhampton Wanderers and Tottenham manager.
Struggles follow Premier League relegation
Nuno was originally hired in September 2025 to replace Graham Potter. However, he was unable to prevent the Hammers from suffering relegation from the Premier League last term.
Despite entering the Championship season as widely tipped favourites to achieve an immediate promotion back to the top tier, West Ham have won only six of their opening 13 league fixtures. They currently trail league leaders Middlesbrough by six points.
Addressing the departing backroom staff, the club added:
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.
Interim team steps in for Cardiff trip
Former Hammers captain Mark Noble has stepped into the breach to help oversee team management on a temporary basis. Noble will take charge alongside Steve Potts and Gerard Prenderville for Wednesday night’s league encounter away at Cardiff City.
The East London outfit confirmed that the search for Nuno’s permanent replacement is already under way as they look to revive their promotion ambitions.
