West Ham United rely on Scott Parker's experience to bounce back in the Championship
West Ham United confirmed, the day after the dismissal of the Portuguese Nuno Espírito Santo, the appointment of the English Scott Parker, aged 46, as the new head coach, with a two-and-a-half-year contract until June 2029.
A two-and-a-half-year contract
The contract signed on the same day runs until June 2029. The former Club Brugge manager, aged 46, briefly held the position before joining West Ham. This decision marks a turning point for the football club.
Arne Engels, who arrived at West Ham this summer, will meet Parker, whom he crossed paths with in the stands of Jan Breydel Stadium. Engels was at Club NXT when Parker managed thirteen matches of the club between December 2022 and March 2023.
Goals and first match
West Ham, relegated at the end of last season, sit in eighth place in the Championship, six points behind leaders Middlesbrough after two consecutive home defeats that led to the dismissal of Nuno Espírito Santo. The club hopes that Parker, a Championship specialist, will revive the team. He will take charge for the match against Cardiff City, scheduled for Wednesday evening.
Parker will be assisted by coaches Steve Potts, Gerard Prenderville and Billy Lepine, while Mark Noble will also work closely with him. Details on the final staff structure will be announced later.
He highlighted his energy and passion, recalling the initial talks with Karim Virani and Daniel Křetínský, who share a common vision. Parker stated that he is confident about achieving the club's ambition.
He promised to use all his experience to ensure the team's consistency.
After his departure from Burnley in April, Parker was available as a free agent. He has already guided Fulham, Bournemouth and Burnley to promotion to the Premier League.
As a player, he spent four seasons at West Ham between 2007 and 2011, tallying 129 appearances and 12 goals. He was voted the club's Player of the Year in each of his last three seasons at Upton Park.
The club confirmed the dismissal of Nuno Espírito Santo with immediate effect, after a review of the start of the season. Assistant coaches Rui Pedro Silva and Rui Barbosa also left their positions.
Parker named West Ham head coach on two-and-a-half-year deal
Mark Noble, Steve Potts and Gerard Prenderville will oversee the team's preparation ahead of Wednesday's match against Cardiff City. The club indicated that it will make no further comment until the official announcement of the new coach.
Harry Redknapp described Parker's recruitment as « good decision », highlighting his excellent record in the Championship and his historic link with the club. He recalled that Parker had already led the club to victory as a player.