West Ham appoint Scott Parker on two-and-a-half-year deal

West Ham United have appointed Scott Parker as head coach on a two-and-a-half-year contract, bringing their former midfielder back to the club. BBC Sport reported that the 46-year-old replaces Nuno Espirito Santo, who was dismissed on Tuesday following a disappointing start to West Ham’s Championship campaign. Parker’s first match in charge will be Wednesday’s trip to Cardiff City.

Watch the highlights: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xSkBY_aeKuk

The appointment gives West Ham a coach who has previously secured promotion from the Championship with three clubs: Fulham, Bournemouth and Burnley. Parker had been out of work since leaving Burnley in April after their relegation from the Premier League, according to the BBC. He now returns to management with another club seeking a route back to the top flight.

Parker will have support from first-team coaches Steve Potts, Gerard Prenderville and Billy Lepine. Sporting director Mark Noble, a former team-mate, will also work closely with him. West Ham are expected to make further announcements about the backroom staff in the coming days and weeks, so the coaching arrangements outlined with the appointment are not the final staffing update.

In comments to West Ham’s website carried by BBC Sport, Parker described his return as a source of pride for both himself and his family. He emphasised the connection he had developed with the supporters during his earlier time at the club, recalling a sense of affection and mutual respect that had made the experience stand out for him.

Parker also made clear that returning West Ham to the Premier League was central to his ambitions in the role. He said he felt privileged to take charge and expressed excitement about the opportunity. His comments focused on the responsibility of leading the club again, this time from the touchline rather than as a player.

There will be little time between his appointment and his first competitive assignment, with the Cardiff fixture scheduled for the same day as the announcement. Parker said the prospect of returning had immediately energised him when discussions began, describing strong enthusiasm and determination to take on the job.