Scott Parker Makes Triumphant Return to West Ham as New Head Coach

West Ham United has officially announced the appointment of Scott Parker as their new head coach. The 46-year-old takes over from Nuno Espirito Santo, who was dismissed on November 3 after a little over a year in charge. Parker, who returns to east London 15 years after his playing days with the club, has signed a contract lasting two and a half years. He will be supported by first-team coaches Steve Potts, Gerard Prenderville, and Billy Lepine, with club legend Mark Noble also involved in the setup alongside his former teammate. Parker’s first challenge will be on Wednesday night against Cardiff City at the Cardiff City Stadium, where he will take the helm with the Hammers sitting eighth in the league, six points adrift of leaders Middlesbrough. "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," Parker expressed. "I have so many fond memories from my time here, including four years of what I consider to be the best football of my career. "The warmth and love I felt from the fans here is something I haven’t experienced anywhere else. The bond I built with the supporters is special, and I'm thrilled to have this opportunity to guide the team back to the Premier League. "My energy, enthusiasm, and passion are all at an all-time high, especially since I learned this opportunity was available. That’s why I’m here, and I can’t wait to get started." Parker is no stranger to promotion, having achieved it three times from the Sky Bet Championship—first with Fulham in 2019/20, then Bournemouth in 2021/22, and Burnley in 2024/25. His return to West Ham arrives 15 years after he departed as a player in August 2011, having made 129 appearances and scored 12 goals for the Hammers. He had been without a job since leaving Burnley by mutual consent back in April.