West Ham United appoint Scott Parker as head coach

West Ham United have confirmed the appointment of former midfielder Scott Parker as their new first-team head coach. The 46-year-old has signed a two-and-a-half-year contract and replaces Nuno Espírito Santo, who was dismissed on Tuesday.

The change follows a disappointing start to the Championship season. West Ham were relegated from the Premier League last term under Nuno, and recent results — including a 3-1 home defeat to West Bromwich Albion — proved decisive. The club currently sit eighth in the Championship table. Parker will take charge for the first time on Wednesday evening when the Hammers travel to Cardiff City.

Parker’s coaching staff includes Steve Potts, Gerard Prenderville and Billy Lepine, with sporting director Mark Noble working closely alongside the group. Further details of the permanent backroom structure will be confirmed in due course.

The key factor in Parker’s appointment was his proven record of guiding teams out of the Championship. He has previously achieved promotion with Fulham (2020), Bournemouth (2022) and Burnley (2025).

The move also represents a return to familiar surroundings. Parker made 129 appearances for West Ham between 2007 and 2011, captaining the side and winning the Hammer of the Year award three times in succession. He was named the Football Writers’ Association Footballer of the Year at the end of the 2010/11 season.

Parker said:

“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. Four years here was probably the best football of my playing career, and I built a special connection with the fans. I feel privileged and honoured to have the chance to lead us back to the Premier League. My energy, enthusiasm and passion are off the charts.

“From the first conversations with Karim Virani and Daniel Křetínský, it was clear we share the ambition to return the club to the top flight as quickly as possible. I have been in this division three times and got out of it three times, so I will draw on every bit of my experience and knowledge to bring the consistency the team needs.”