West Ham United has confirmed that Nuno Espirito Santo will continue as the club’s manager, despite their relegation from the Premier League at the conclusion of the 2025/26 season. The decision comes after a challenging campaign that saw the Hammers drop into the Championship on the final day.
The London club finished the season on 39 points, just two points shy of rivals Tottenham Hotspur, who secured their top-flight status with a crucial 1-0 victory over Everton. West Ham’s own 3-0 win against Leeds United on the final day proved insufficient to avoid the drop.
Club backs manager for immediate return
Nuno Espirito Santo took the helm at West Ham in September 2025, replacing Graham Potter, who had overseen a dismal start to the season, losing five of his first six matches. Under Nuno, the team managed 12 wins from his 37 matches in charge. Despite the ultimate outcome, the club’s hierarchy has expressed confidence in the Portuguese manager.
A West Ham United club statement confirmed the decision, highlighting Nuno’s commitment. “We held meetings with head coach Nuno Espirito Santo early this week and are pleased to confirm that he has expressed his continued commitment to the club – as we have to him,” the statement read. It also noted the board’s belief in “broader signs of improvement and progress in recent months,” which they wish Nuno to continue developing.
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The club’s immediate objective is clear: a swift return to the Premier League. “Nuno made it very clear that he is highly motivated for the challenge of guiding West Ham United back to the top flight at the first time of asking. That must be the unquestionable goal for next season,” the statement added.
A proven track record in the championship
A key factor in the club’s decision is Nuno Espirito Santo’s prior success in the Championship. He famously guided Wolverhampton Wanderers to the Championship title in 2018, accumulating an impressive 99 points in the process. This experience is likely seen as invaluable as West Ham prepares for life in England’s second tier.
However, Nuno’s task will be challenging, with several key players already linked with moves away from the club. Matheus Fernandes, Jarrod Bowen, and Aaron Wan-Bissaka are among those reportedly attracting interest, suggesting a period of significant transition lies ahead for West Ham United.
According to SPORTbible, West Ham’s board believes Nuno is the right man to oversee the club’s rebuild and lead their push for an immediate return to the Premier League.
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Sources: www.sportbible.com
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