West Ham Set Sack Date for Nuno Espírito Santo as Relegation Fears Intensify
West Ham United are reportedly preparing to part ways with manager Nuno Espírito Santo, with sources suggesting a sack date has now been effectively locked in amid mounting pressure and growing frustration at the London Stadium. The Portuguese coach, appointed in late September on a three-year deal, faces what could be the final stretch of his tenure as West Ham’s precarious Premier League position threatens to dictate his fate. (West Ham Zone)
Pressure Escalates After Poor Run
Nuno’s time in charge has seen a dramatic downturn in West Ham’s form. The Hammers currently sit in the relegation zone — 18th in the Premier League — and are seven points adrift of safety, having gone 10 league games without a victory. Heavy losses, including a 3–0 defeat to bottom-placed Wolves and a damaging home loss to Nottingham Forest, have compounded concerns about the team’s direction under Nuno. (Reuters)
The club hierarchy is said to be “losing faith” in Nuno’s ability to steer the team to survival, with internal sources reportedly unhappy not just with results but also with his conduct after matches — including an on-pitch embrace with former Forest players following their defeat, which was seen as insensitive given West Ham’s struggle. (Football365)
Board Reluctance Vs. Relegation Reality
Despite the intensifying pressure, West Ham’s board — led by co-owners David Sullivan and David Gold — has been cautious about making another managerial change this season. The club already sacked Graham Potter earlier in the campaign, bringing in Nuno to arrest the slide, and there appears to be reluctance to expend further funds on another departure. (ESPN.com)
However, the consensus among insiders is that the club has now identified a clear window for a dismissal should results not improve in the coming fixtures. Reports indicate that West Ham may have set a potential sack date tied to specific upcoming league matches — effectively a deadline by which Nuno must secure improved performances or face the consequences. (West Ham Zone)
Potential Replacements and Reactions
As speculation grows, names of potential replacements have begun to circulate. Among those mentioned is club legend Slaven Bilic, who managed West Ham between 2015 and 2017 and remains a figure supportive fans might rally around. Other managerial possibilities are also being floated by pundits and media outlets as the club prepares for the prospect of a late-season shake-up. (Talksport)
Fan reaction has mirrored the mounting pressure on the pitch. Supporters have vocalised their displeasure with results and tactical decisions, with some calling for Nuno’s dismissal even during matches as the crisis deepened. There is a palpable sense among the fanbase that time is running out for the former Wolves and Tottenham boss. (The Sun)
What Happens Next
West Ham’s immediate fixtures could prove decisive. A run of tough league games — including high-profile clashes against top-six sides — could hasten the club’s decision to act. Should the team fail to pick up wins in the coming weeks, Nuno’s departure is expected to be formalised swiftly, with the club turning its attention to securing Premier League survival and stabilising morale both on and off the pitch. (West Ham Zone)
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