West Ham United have parted company with Graham Potter and appointed Nuno Espirito Santo as their new head coach, in a move aimed at arresting a bleak start to the 2025–26 Premier League season.
The decision, confirmed on 27 September 2025, comes just five matches into the campaign, with West Ham languishing near the bottom of the table and under mounting pressure both on and off the field.
In an official statement, the club said: “Results and performances over the course of the second half of last season and the start of the 2025-26 season have not matched expectations, and the Board of Directors believe that a change is necessary in order to help improve the team’s position in the Premier League as soon as possible.”
The statement also confirmed that Potter’s key coaching staff—including assistant coach Bruno Saltor and first team coaches Billy Reid and Narcís Pelach—would depart with immediate effect.
West Ham United is delighted to announce the appointment of Nuno Espírito Santo as the Club’s new men’s Head Coach.
— West Ham United (@WestHam) September 27, 2025
Potter’s tenure at West Ham, which began in January 2025 following the dismissal of Julen Lopetegui, was always viewed as a high-risk assignment given the turbulent nature of the club’s recent history.
He did provide flashes of promise—most notably a 1–0 victory over Arsenal—but ultimately was unable to translate that into consistent form. Under his watch, West Ham managed only six wins in twenty league games by the end of last season, finishing in 14th place.
This season, the situation deteriorated rapidly. The Hammers suffered heavy defeats to Sunderland and Chelsea, were knocked out of the Carabao Cup by Wolves, and most recently lost 2–1 at home to Crystal Palace—marking three successive home defeats in league play, a first in nearly a century.
The club has conceded 13 goals in their first five league matches, the worst defensive record in the division at the time of Potter’s departure.
Potter himself acknowledged the gravity of the situation in his final press moments, saying, “You are under pressure all the time in these jobs. In this situation, that is how it is. … I know the territory, I know what comes with poor results and I accept that responsibility.”
He added after the Crystal Palace defeat: “Do I believe I can turn it around? Of course. I also understand it’s tough … the only thing you can do is front it up … at the moment we’re not.”
Behind the scenes, tensions had reportedly boiled over. Some club insiders interpreted Potter’s recent press remarks—criticizing the board or suggesting misalignment—as crossing a line. There is speculation that West Ham’s hierarchy feared further public friction and chose to act swiftly.
The choice of Nuno Espirito Santo as Potter’s successor brings with it both optimism and risk. Nuno, 51, was most recently in charge of Nottingham Forest, where he guided them toward European qualification before a highly publicized falling-out with owner Evangelos Marinakis led to his dismissal in September 2025 after only three matches.
Nuno’s exit from Forest was marked by acrimony, including public criticism of the club’s transfer strategy and statements suggesting strained internal relationships.
Before his stint at Forest, Nuno built a reputation at Wolverhampton Wanderers, where his pragmatic style and organizational discipline earned respect. He has also had spells at Porto, Valencia, Tottenham Hotspur, and in Saudi Arabia with Al-Ittihad.
His track record suggests he may bring stability, defensive structure, and tactical flexibility—elements West Ham have desperately lacked this season.
According to multiple sources, Nuno has already signed his contract and is expected to take his first training session imminently. Reports indicate that the deal has been approved and that Nuno will assume control immediately.
The timing is critical: West Ham are scheduled to face Everton away on Monday—coincidentally led by former West Ham boss David Moyes—in what could be a baptism of fire for the new man.