By Asaye Bankole
West Ham United have appointed former club captain Scott Parker as their new head coach following the dismissal of Nuno Espírito Santo on Tuesday.
The Premier League side confirmed Parker’s appointment on Wednesday, announcing that the 46-year-old had signed a two-and-a-half-year contract.
Parker is expected to take charge of the team for Wednesday evening’s EFL Championship encounter against Cardiff City.
The appointment marks a return to familiar surroundings for the former West Ham midfielder, who previously played for the club between 2007 and 2011. During his managerial career, he has also handled Fulham, AFC Bournemouth and Burnley, guiding all three clubs to promotion from the Championship to the Premier League.
His record includes securing promotion with Fulham in 2020, Bournemouth in 2022 and Burnley in 2025.
He was also named EFL Championship Manager of the Season for the 2024/25 campaign after leading Burnley to promotion.
West Ham confirmed that Parker would initially work alongside first-team coaches Steve Potts, Gerard Prenderville and Billy Lepine.
Former teammate Mark Noble is also expected to work closely with the new manager, while the club said further information about the permanent backroom structure would be announced later.
Parker expressed excitement and pride at returning to the London club, describing West Ham as a place that holds special memories for him and his family.
He recalled his four-year playing spell at the club as one of the most enjoyable periods of his professional career, highlighting the strong relationship he developed with supporters.
According to him, the opportunity to lead West Ham back to the Premier League is both an honour and a responsibility he is determined to embrace.
Parker also expressed confidence in the club’s leadership, saying his initial discussions with Karim Virani and Daniel Křetínský revealed a shared determination to secure an immediate return to the English top flight.
He noted that his experience of achieving promotion from the Championship on three occasions would be valuable in helping West Ham navigate the challenges of the competition.
The new manager stressed that consistency, discipline and commitment would be essential if the club were to achieve its promotion ambitions.
During his playing career at West Ham, Parker made 129 appearances and won the club’s Hammer of the Year award three consecutive times.
He also received the Football Writers’ Association Footballer of the Year award for the 2010/11 season, becoming only the second West Ham player after the legendary Bobby Moore to receive the honour.
His appointment comes a day after West Ham confirmed the departure of Nuno Espírito Santo following a review of the team’s performances and disappointing start to the Championship season.
The club also announced the exit of assistant head coach Rui Pedro Silva and goalkeeping coach Rui Barbosa.
Nuno joined West Ham in September 2025 after leaving Nottingham Forest, but his tenure came to an end following the club’s assessment of its performances.
Parker now faces the task of restoring confidence, improving results and guiding West Ham back to the Premier League as quickly as possible.
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