Craig Bellamy emerges as West Ham next manager option amid Nuno talks twist
Craig Bellamy is among the names reportedly being considered to take over as next West Ham United manager.
Nuno Espirito Santo‘s future at the London Stadium is looking uncertain following the Hammers’ relegation from the Premier League.
The former Nottingham Forest boss replaced Graham Potter in September but was unable to keep West Ham in the division.
Nuno held talks with Irons chiefs on Monday, with those discussions set to continue for another day or two.
There has now been a twist of sorts on Nuno’s future, coinciding with Bellamy’s name emerging as another option.
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Craig Bellamy name emerges alongside Gary O’Neil and clear favourite
Reports on Monday pointed towards a fairly swift exit for Nuno on the back of relegation.
However, it has since been reported that West Ham chiefs are split on whether to sack Nuno.
| Craig Bellamy | For West Ham |
| Games | 26 |
| Goals | 9 |
In a separate report via ESPN, it is suggested that Wales head coach Bellamy is a name on West Ham’s shortlist if Nuno does go.
Gary O’Neil, currently employed by Ligue 1 side Strasbourg, is another.
The clear frontrunner at this point, however, is recently sacked Burnley boss Scott Parker.
All three men played for West Ham during their careers, of course, with forward Bellamy scoring nine goals in 26 appearances across two seasons.
What has Bellamy already said amid links with other jobs?
Bellamy failed in his mission to guide Wales to the upcoming World Cup, as they lost to Bosnia-Herzegovina on penalties in their recent playoff semi-final.
The much-travelled former player is in his first managerial position, having previously worked as a coach at Anderlecht alongside Vincent Kompany and then at Burnley.
Celtic were said to hold an interest in appointing Bellamy last year – and again this summer – but Bellamy brushed aside those links at the time.
“It’s not on my radar – and it won’t be on my radar,” he told reporters.
However, then was when Wales were attempting to get to the World Cup, rather than eight months on with those hopes dashed.
The fact Bellamy is still in charge ahead of a couple of upcoming friendlies suggests he is not looking to move on, but any concrete interest from West Ham would surely change the picture.