West Ham turn to Parker as new boss after sacking Nuno

West Ham turn to Parker as new boss after sacking Nuno Nokuthula Khanyile Wed, 11/04/2026 - 13:30

EAST LONDON - West Ham confirmed the appointment of Scott Parker as their new manager on Wednesday after the Championship club sacked Nuno Espirito Santo.

Former England midfielder Parker spent four seasons as a player with West Ham and led Bournemouth and Burnley to promotion from the Championship as a manager.

The 46-year-old also had spells in charge at Fulham and Club Brugge.

"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," said Parker after signing a two-and-a-half-year deal.

"(I have) a lot of very fond memories of my time here –- four years of probably the best football I played in my career. There was a warmth, a love, a feeling that I probably didn't have anywhere else.

"More than anything, this is an opportunity that I am very excited about," added Parker, who will be in charge for West Ham's trip to Cardiff on Wednesday.

Nuno, 52, was sacked on Tuesday. He oversaw the Hammers' relegation from the Premier League last season but stayed with the east London club in a bid to lead them back into the top flight.

Many viewed the Hammers as favourites to win automatic promotion, but they are currently eighth in the second-tier table, six points behind leaders Middlesbrough, after 13 games.

Parker, however, believes he can reignite West Ham's promotion bid.

"I feel privileged and honoured to be the guy that wants to lead us back to the Premier League," he said.

"I've been in this division three times and I've got out of this division three times. This is a tough division, there is absolutely no denying it. And I will use every ounce of my experience, every ounce of my knowledge.@

Parker is West Ham's fourth permanent boss since David Moyes left in May 2024.

Julen Lopetegui was sacked after just six months in charge and Graham Potter was axed after only eight months in charge.

Parker's last promotion came with Burnley but he left the Clarets in April after their relegation from the Premier League was confirmed.

West Ham interim chief executive Karim Virani said of Parker: "He is someone who is held in high regard at West Ham United and throughout the game, and he was the unanimous choice of the board to become our new head coach."

• AFP