West Ham United have confirmed the sacking of manager Nuno Espirito Santo.
The Portuguese departs the London Stadium after a 14-month spell in charge, during which the club were relegated from the Premier League last season. This term the Hammers started well but form has stuttered and they have won just two of their last six league games, suffering back-to-back home losses.
The most recent was a 3-1 setback at home to West Bromwich Albion. That left West Ham eighth in the table – in the final play-off spot, after the Championship extended the number of places in the end-of-season lottery – but six points adrift of leaders Middlesbrough.
Nuno’s sacking comes on the eve of a big game on Wednesday night when United travel to Cardiff City. Assistant head coach Rui Pedro Silva and goalkeeper coach Rui Barbosa have also departed, with club legend Mark Noble now taking temporary charge alongside Steve Potts and Gerard Prenderville.
A club statement read: “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.
“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. The process of recruiting a new head coach is already under way.”
Nuno is the third Championship boss to be sacked so far this season, following in the footsteps of Paul Heckingbottom (Preston) and Nicky Hayen (Burnley).
