West Ham sack Nuno Espirito Santo

West Ham have sacked manager Nuno Espirito Santo following back-to-back defeats in the Championship.

The Hammers’ promotion campaign has stalled following the home losses to Southampton and West Brom at the London Stadium, with the club sitting 8th after 13 games.

Nuno, who oversaw West Ham’s relegation from the Premier League last season, had been expected to deliver an instant return to the top-flight.

A club statement said: “West Ham United can confirm that men’s first-team Head Coach Nuno Espírito Santo has left his position with immediate effect.

“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.”

Former West Ham captain Mark Noble, along with Steve Potts and Gerard Prenderville, will take temporary charge for Wednesday night’s trip to Cardiff.

The club added that the search for a new head coach is underway, with Nuno’s assistant, Rui Pedro Silva, and goalkeeper coach, Rui Barbosa, also departing.

“West Ham 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,” the club said.

Nuno, the former Wolves, Tottenham and Nottingham Forest boss, replaced Graham Potter at the London Stadium in September 2025 and had signed a three-year contract.

But the club’s 13-year stay in the top-flight came to an end as they finished 18th and were relegated to the Championship on the final day of the season, with Tottenham staying up instead.

West Ham retained the services of captain Jarrod Bowen to boost their promotion bid, while the club also made the Championship record signing of Arne Engels from Celtic for £22m.

The Hammers appeared to be on track for a Premier League return when they thrashed Wrexham 6-0 at the start of September, but that has been followed by just two wins in seven games.

Fans turned on Nuno following the 2-1 defeat to West Brom on Saturday, as many of the 61,125-capacity crowd turned for the exits before full-time.