Get Guardian on GoogleWest Ham United have appointed former captain Scott Parker as their new head coach, handing him the responsibility of leading the club’s campaign for an immediate return to the Premier League.
The appointment was confirmed on Wednesday, a day after the club dismissed Nuno Espírito Santo following a disappointing start to the Championship season.
Parker, 46, has signed a two-and-a-half-year contract and is expected to take charge of the team for Wednesday evening’s Championship fixture against Cardiff City.
The former West Ham midfielder returns to the club after managerial spells at Fulham, Bournemouth and Burnley, where he successfully guided all three sides to promotion from the Championship to the Premier League.
He secured promotion with Fulham in 2020, Bournemouth in 2022 and Burnley in 2025, establishing himself as a manager with considerable experience in navigating the second tier.
Parker will work alongside first-team coaches Steve Potts, Gerard Prenderville and Billy Lepine, while former teammate Mark Noble is also expected to work closely with him.
Reacting to his appointment, Parker described his return to the London club as a proud moment, expressing excitement about the opportunity to lead the team.
“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,” he said.
He added that his previous experience in the Championship would help him understand what was required to secure promotion.
“I’ve been in this division three times and I’ve got out of this division three times. This is a tough division, there is absolutely no denying it,” he said.
Parker also pledged to bring consistency, commitment and enthusiasm to the team’s performances as they pursue promotion.
During his playing career, he made 129 appearances for West Ham between 2007 and 2011, winning the club’s Hammer of the Year award three consecutive times.
He also received the Football Writers’ Association Footballer of the Year award for the 2010/11 season, becoming only the second West Ham player after Bobby Moore to win the honour.
His appointment follows the departure of Nuno, whose exit came after the club reviewed its performances in the Championship.
West Ham are hoping Parker’s promotion record and previous connection with the club will help revive their campaign and secure a return to English football’s top flight.
