Home » Next Manager

Next Manager

Home » West Ham United » Next Manager
DUGOUT ODDS:

NEXT WEST HAM MANAGER HUB:
Live Tracker, Candidates, Shortlist & Latest Betting Data

Speculation at the London Stadium has quietened following a mini-resurgence in 2026 under Nuno Espírito Santo. Despite a turbulent start to his tenure, Nuno has showed he can galvanise the squad, most recently leading them to a gritty 1-0 win over Fulham and a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Brentford to reach the FA Cup Quarter-Finals. While the “Next Manager” market remains a topic of conversation for those wary of the club’s bottom-three position, the sense is Nuno will remain while West Ham are mathematically safe. The board’s faith in Nuno was further signalled by the U-turn decision to offer Callum Wilson a new one-year contract, a move driven by the manager’s desire to maintain experienced depth for the survival run. However, there remains the backdrop of betting markets chatter and whispers of a potential change in the dugout, with familiar names like Slaven Bilic and Gary O’Neil in the background.

Manager Shortlist Tracker

MARKET LIVE
Current Favourite
SLAVEN BILIĆ
Fan favorite; currently available.
5/4
Highly Respected
GARY O’NEIL
Long-term target; high tactical IQ.
5/1
The Modern Architect
KIERAN MCKENNA
Admired by board for progressive style.
8/1
The West Ham Connection
MICHAEL CARRICK
Strong ties; currently at Man Utd.
12/1
The Survival Specialist
SEAN DYCHE
Fallback option if results slide.
16/1
Verdict: Slaven Bilić remains the overwhelming fan choice, but the board’s internal focus is on Gary O’Neil. However, Nuno is safe for now following the FA Cup progression.

As of March 2026, Slaven Bilic remains one of the most prominent free agents on the managerial market. His name continues to carry significant weight at the London Stadium due to his Boleyn Farewell heroics, and he has recently been vocal about his desire to return to the English dugout.

Candidate Data: Slaven Bilić

Current StatusFree Agent
Last PositionAl-Fateh (Saudi Pro League) — Departed Aug 2024
Preferred System4-2-3-1 / 3-4-3
AvailabilityImmediate (No compensation required)
Recent ActivityRejected Blackburn Rovers approach (Feb 2026)
West Ham LinksHeld talks with Sullivan in late 2025 prior to Nuno’s arrival.
Latest Intel: Bilić reportedly snubbed a return to the Championship last month, signalling he is holding out for a top-flight project. He remains the secondary option should Nuno’s survival bid falter.

The 2026 Situation

  • The Blackburn Snub: In February 2026, Bilic held formal talks with Blackburn Rovers following the dismissal of Valerien Ismael. However, he ultimately rejected the offer, reportedly stating he did not wish to take over a Championship project mid-season, preferring to wait for a Premier League opening or a fresh summer start.
  • The West Ham Connection: Bilic remains an emergency candidate for the West Ham board. Earlier this season, following the departure of Graham Potter, Bilic confirmed he was “close” to a sensational return before the club ultimately moved for Nuno Espírito Santo.
  • Waiting in the Wings: With West Ham still navigating a tight survival battle and the FA Cup Quarter-Finals, Bilic is widely considered the primary short-term “firefighter” option should the board decide to make a late-season change to galvanise the fanbase.

Managerial Honours & Key Stats

  • West Ham (2015-17): Guided the club to its highest-ever Premier League points tally (62) and a 7th-place finish in the final season at Upton Park.
  • Promotion Specialist: Secured automatic promotion to the Premier League with West Bromwich Albion in 2020.
  • International Pedigree: Led Croatia to the Euro 2008 Quarter-Finals, famously knocking England out during qualification.

Insider Verdict: Bilic’s refusal to jump into the Championship in February suggests he is holding out for a high-profile return. His ‘unfinished business’ narrative at West Ham makes him the emotional favourite among the Claret & Blue faithful.

Close