Why Craig Bellamy is being backed to one day succeed Nuno as West Ham manager

West Ham United kept faith in Nuno Espirito Santo after their relegation from the Premier League.

Nuno was appointed by the Hammers a year ago after Graham Potter was dismissed from the role.

However, the Portuguese could not keep West Ham's head above water, and they went down after Tottenham beat Everton on the final day.

The Irons have started pretty well in the second tier, though, and sit second after eight games, just two points back of Swansea City.

Consequently, Nuno's job looks to be under very little pressure and there is faith he can lead West Ham back to the top flight.

However, former West Ham striker Craig Bellamy is being backed to one day take over at the London Stadium.

James Collins talks up Craig Bellamy to West Ham

Bellamy is currently in charge of the Wales national team, and has previously held roles with Cardiff City, Anderlecht, and Burnley.

Indeed, Bellamy was linked with a return to the Clarets in the summer but he remained in his current role.

Former West Ham defender Collins, who played with Bellamy at the Hammers and with Wales, talked up his talents as a manager.

Collins thinks Bellamy will end up at a big club, and says his love for West Ham means he could end up there one day.

Speaking to talkSPORT, he said: "I’ve known him a long, long time.

"I think he needed to be that guy when he was playing. I think he said it to get the best out of himself.

"He’s gone into management. I think he speaks brilliantly. He speaks sense, he says the truth.

"If they haven’t played well, he’ll tell you and what more do you want from a manager?

"Like I said, he’s young, he’s keen to learn and I can see him at a big club.

"Obviously West Ham are doing well, but I know he loves the football club and loved his time at West Ham when I was there."

Could Craig Bellamy one day manage West Ham?

There is no reason why this could not one day be a possibility.

After all in football, you always have to have a 'never say never' approach, especially when it comes to managers.

Right now, though, it's all a bit of a moot point because there is very little indication that Nuno is under any sort of pressure.

West Ham definitely have some more gears to reach, but we are still only eight games into the Championship season.

The Hammers are only two points off the top, and you feel like once the team keeps getting accustomed to each other and the league, they will only keep improving.

So, don't rule it out, but certainly don't see it as something that could imminently happen.