Parker returns to West Ham as head coach

West Ham have turned to former captain Scott Parker to revive their promotion bid after a poor start to the Championship campaign. Park replaces Nuno Espírito Santo, who was sacked on Tuesday, while Mark Noble will be involved.

At 10.37 am on 4 November 2026 the club announced that Scott Parker had signed a two‑and‑a‑half‑year contract as head coach. WEST HAM HAVE confirmed the appointment via a share‑options post that also included an Email link. The 46‑year‑old 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.”

Coaching staff and board endorsement

He added that he is excited to lead the side back to the Premier League, noting his experience of three promotions and three relegations. Parker’s last promotion came with Burnley before he left the club in April after their relegation was confirmed. He will be assisted by first‑team coaches Steve Potts, Gerard Prenderville and Billy Lepine, and will work closely with former teammate Mark Noble.

Scott Parker named West Ham manager

Interim CEO Karim Virani said the board unanimously chose Parker, praising his pedigree, Championship success and deep understanding of the club’s identity. Parker, who has also managed Fulham, Bournemouth and Club Brugge, made more than 100 appearances for the Hammers between 2007 and 2011 and was named player of the year three times consecutively.

West Ham had opted in May to retain Nuno despite his failure to secure Premier League safety after his September 2025 appointment, but a string of defeats left the team eighth in the table. Parker will take charge for Wednesday’s Championship trip to Cardiff. The announcement was featured in the Video Review Podcasts of The 42FM Sport, which also covers Golf, Horse, Rugby, Extra and Football Family stories, and readers can See More Stories online.