West Ham dismiss Nuno Espírito Santo after 13 Championship games

West Ham United announced the termination of Nuno Espírito Santo's contract after 13 matches in the Championship, during which the team recorded six wins but suffered consecutive home defeats to Southampton and West Bromwich Albion, dropping to eighth place. The club's board said a change in the dugout was "necessary" to keep the club's objectives and expectations on track.

The decision comes ahead of West Ham's upcoming league fixture at Cardiff City. Sources indicate that former Hammers midfielder Scott Parker, who made 129 appearances for the club between 2007 and 2011, is in advanced talks to become the new head coach. Parker previously guided Fulham, Bournemouth and Burnley to promotion from the Championship.

West Ham confirmed that former captain Mark Noble, coach Steve Potts and director Gerard Prenderville will prepare the squad for the Cardiff match. The club did not comment further on the coaching appointment.

In his post-match comments after the 3-1 loss to West Brom, Espírito Santo said the performance was poor and highlighted defensive issues, adding that the team needed to improve results to reverse the situation.

Sky Sports reported that some players were reportedly uncomfortable with Espírito Santo's management style and that club officials believed a long-term solution was required. Former EFL striker Billy Sharp noted that the team had been under pressure from the start of the season and that home form had become a concern.