Scott Parker appointed West Ham United head coach on two-and-a-half‑year deal

West Ham United announced on Wednesday that former club captain Scott Parker will take over as head coach, signing a two-and-a-half‑year contract. The appointment comes a day after the club dismissed Nuno Espírito Santo following a poor start to the Championship season. Parker, 46, is set to lead the team for their upcoming league fixture at Cardiff City on Wednesday evening.

According to the club's announcement, Parker will receive assistance from first-team staff members Steve Potts, Gerard Prenderville, and Billy Lepine, while ex-colleague Mark Noble is set to collaborate closely with him in his capacity as sporting director. Details of the permanent back‑room structure are expected to be released in the coming days.

Background

Parker's record as a manager features victorious promotion drives at Fulham in 2020, Bournemouth in 2022, and Burnley in 2025. While at Burnley, he was named the EFL Championship Manager of the Season for the 2024/25 campaign. Before turning to coaching, Parker featured in 129 matches for West Ham from 2007 to 2011, securing the club's Hammer of the Year prize for three straight years and the Football Writers' Association Footballer of the Year title in 2010/11, which made him just the second Hammers player to achieve that distinction following Bobby Moore.

After leaving Burnley in April 2026 following their relegation from the Premier League, Parker had been out of work until this appointment. West Ham had retained Nuno Espírito Santo after their relegation from the Premier League last season, but acted after consecutive defeats, including a home loss to West Brom on Saturday.

Why it matters

The appointment is viewed as a move to revive West Ham’s fortunes in the Championship, where the club currently sit eighth. Supporters and club officials hope Parker’s track record of guiding teams to promotion can reverse recent poor results and restore confidence. The involvement of Mark Noble, a long‑serving former player now sporting director, underscores a strategy of leveraging club heritage to stabilise performance.

Parker’s return also carries personal significance; he described the role as a “very proud moment” and highlighted the emotional connection he feels to the club and its supporters. The coaching staff additions aim to provide continuity and expertise, with Potts, Prenderville and Lepine expected to assist in training, tactics and player development.

What happens next

Parker’s first competitive test will be the away match at Cardiff City on Wednesday, marking his debut in charge of the Hammers. The club has indicated that further announcements regarding the back‑room team will be made in the near future, suggesting additional staffing decisions may follow the initial appointment. The team’s performance in the upcoming fixtures will be closely monitored as an early indicator of Parker’s impact.