James Corden has ‘no question’ over next West Ham boss as Nuno exit possible
James Cordon has named who he wants to be the next West Ham United manager if Nuno Espirito Santo leaves.
The Portuguese boss has not made his intentions clear, whether he wants to stay at the London Stadium next season.
His decision may well depend on what division the Hammers are in next season, with their potential relegation from the Premier League.
Corden named former Burnley manager Scott Parker, who was recently sacked, as the frontrunner to take over if Nuno departs.
West Ham fans want Nuno to stay, as does Corden, but the fact he already has someone in mind, suggests he is not confident that it will happen.
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What did Corden say about West Ham manager role?
Parker is a hero at West Ham and has been linked with the manager post previously.
Corden raised the possibility when speaking about the Nuno situation, essentially claiming that it was a no-brainer for the Irons, if they find themselves with a vacancy in the near future.
Speaking on talkSPORT on 13 May, he said: “I think Nuno is brilliant, I hope he stays, I doubt he will, but I would love it.
“If he doesn’t, it should be Scott Parker, no question.”
Why Parker would be a great choice
Parker’s exploits in a Hammers shirt won him the Hammer of the Year award three times, for the 2008–09, 2009–10, and 2010–11 seasons.
He was also named as the FWA Footballer of the Year, despite the E20 outfit being relegated in that season, before joining Tottenham.
He would certainly be a popular appointment with the fanbase if Nuno does end up leaving, not just with Corden, but even more so, with his promotion record at his former clubs in recent years.
| Parker’s record as a manager | |
| Matches | 285 |
| Won | 116 |
| Drawn | 72 |
| Lost | 97 |
| Points | 420 |
| Points per game | 1.47 |
The 45-year-old has won promotion three times, through the playoffs with Fulham in the 2019-20 season, and by finishing second in the Championship, with Bournemouth in 2021-22 and Burnley in the 2024-25 campaign.
His connection to the East London club would help, but his ability to get the club right back to where they belong, if they do go down, would be the most appealing aspect of a potential appointment.
It would be a home run choice for David Sullivan and the board, who have been under heavy criticism, if they cannot convince the former Nottingham Forest and Tottenham boss to stick around at the end of the season.