West Ham United have appointed former captain Scott Parker as their new head coach on a two-and-a-half-year contract, tasking him with leading the club’s bid to return to the Premier League.
The Championship club confirmed the appointment on Wednesday, a day after dismissing Nuno Espírito Santo following a disappointing start to the season.
Parker, 46, returns to West Ham more than 15 years after leaving the club as a player. He made 129 appearances between 2007 and 2011, scoring 12 goals and winning the club’s Player of the Year award three consecutive times.
The former England international joins with a record of securing promotion to the Premier League with three different clubs: Fulham in 2020, Bournemouth in 2022 and Burnley in 2025.
He was most recently in charge of Burnley, leaving the club by mutual consent in April after its relegation from the Premier League.
West Ham are eighth in the Championship, six points behind leaders Middlesbrough. The club’s decision to part ways with Nuno followed consecutive defeats, including a 3-1 home loss to West Bromwich Albion.
Parker is expected to take charge of the team for Wednesday’s away fixture against Cardiff City.
First-team coaches Steve Potts, Gerard Prenderville and Billy Lepine will assist him, while former West Ham team-mate Mark Noble will also work closely with the new head coach.
Parker said returning to the club was a proud moment and described the opportunity to lead West Ham back to the Premier League as one he was eager to take on.
The appointment marks another managerial change for West Ham as the club seeks an immediate return to the top flight following its relegation last season.
