Sheffield United set to face old foe as sacking prompts Championship return for boss
West Ham appear to be close to confirming a quickappointment after sacking Nuno Espirito Santo
Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder looks set to come up against an old foe next month after a Championship sacking led to an opening.
Scott Parker appears set to take over as manager of West Ham following the club’s decision to sack Nuno Espirito Santo on Tuesday. According to reports in The Athletic, Parker could be in place as early as Wednesday and in time to take the side for their trip to Cardiff City.
Parker has been out of work since leaving Burnley last season after confirmation of the Clarets’ relegation. The former West Ham and Tottenham midfielder had taken Burnley back into the Premier League, finishing in second position in the Championship in 2024/25, a place ahead of Sheffield United.
The 46-year-old was a fan-favourite at West Ham as a player, captaining the side during a four-year spell with the club between 2007 and 2001.
What matters most to the Hammers now, however, is Parker’s ability as a coach in this division.
Nuno Espirito Santo was kept on in the summer despite their relegation from the Premier League but with a clear remit of an immediate return to the top flight. They currently sit in eighth position, just three points ahead of Sheffield United and six off the top.
West Ham will now look to Parker to fulfil that ambition and with that they have a coach adept at gaining promotion from the Championship having done so with all three English clubs he has managed in his career - Fulham, Bournemouth and Burnley.
The report in The Athletic suggests that fellow Hammers legend Mark Noble, who has remained at the club and will lead the team until a new manager is in place, could be part of Parker’s backroom staff.
West Ham released a statement on Tuesday, outling their reasons for sacking the Portuguese who had suffered two home defeats in a row to Southampton and West Brom.
The atatement read: “West Ham United can confirm that men’s first-team Head Coach Nuno Espírito Santo has left his position with immediate effect. Following a thorough review of the start to the EFL Championship season, the Board of Directors believe that a change is necessary at this time in order to ensure that the Club’s objectives and expectations remain on track.”
Sheffield United welcome West Ham to Bramall Lane on Friday December 4.