Nuno Espirito Santo’s tenure at West Ham United has been tumultuous, with the club struggling to escape the relegation zone just months after his appointment. Following a disheartening 3-0 defeat against Wolverhampton, who were previously winless and sit at the bottom of the Premier League standings, the Hammers find themselves 18th on the table—four points behind Nottingham Forest and seven behind a resurgent Leeds United. The outlook is increasingly concerning for the London club.
Despite the current situation, reports have yet to indicate that West Ham is ready to sever ties with Nuno. However, if the grim trajectory continues, it’s likely that the club’s management will evaluate their options. As a proactive measure, we’ve explored potential candidates who could step into the dugout should West Ham opt for a managerial change.
1. Slaven Bilic – 5/4
Former West Ham manager Slaven Bilic is the bookies’ frontrunner for the position. He was a fan favorite during his previous stint and is well-regarded for leading the team to impressive finishes in the Premier League, including 7th and 11th places. Although Bilic has had mixed fortunes since leaving the club—his management roles at Al-Ittihad, West Brom, and others were far from stellar—his familiarity with the club and its supporters makes him a strong candidate for a return.
2. Gary O’Neil – 4/1
Gary O’Neil, known for his time at West Ham during the Allardyce era, has garnered attention as a potential successor. Having successfully kept both Bournemouth and Wolves afloat in recent seasons, he embodies the qualities of a ‘firefighter’ manager—someone capable of stabilizing a club in distress. While his reputation may not be glamorous, success in tough scenarios could make him a practical choice for the Hammers.
3. Frank Lampard – 8/1
Frank Lampard is another name generating buzz, given his history as a player for West Ham. However, his departure to Chelsea, a rival club, left a sour impression among some fans. The prospect of his return could rekindle past sentiments and present a challenge to club ownership, who are already facing scrutiny. Nonetheless, given West Ham’s current struggles, this appointment might pose more questions than answers.
4. Michael Carrick – 10/1
Michael Carrick, another former England midfielder, represents a different potential direction for West Ham. While his time at Middlesbrough ended on a less favorable note, he initially showcased promise as a manager. If appointed, Carrick would bring a fresh perspective to East London, aimed at embarking on a rebuilding phase, particularly if the club faces relegation.
5. Gareth Southgate – 12/1
The inclusion of Gareth Southgate’s name in the discussion adds an intriguing layer. Having successfully managed the England national team, Southgate has enjoyed a quieter period away from the intense scrutiny of club football. His possible shift to West Ham would warrant consideration, but his reluctance to delve back into the pressures of a relegation battle could serve as a barrier to this potential move.
The current climate at West Ham United is fraught with uncertainty, driven by disappointing performance under Nuno Espirito Santo. While the list of managerial candidates ranges from familiar names to bold choices, the club’s decision will likely hinge on their immediate performance and long-term vision. The coming weeks could be crucial in determining both their fate in the Premier League and the managerial direction they choose to pursue.
