Credit: Imago

Max Wilkins

Mon 25 May 2026 13:19, UK

West Ham United already have Scott Parker in mind to become their next head coach.

The Hammers have had their relegation from the Premier League confirmed and don’t appear to be hanging around.

Despite winning 3-0 against Leeds United, it may not be enough to save Nuno Espirito Santo after falling into the Championship.

After being given the remit to keep the claret-and-blue outfit away from the drop zone, he ultimately failed in his London Stadium mission.

That could open the door for Parker to come in as West Ham boss, with two options already mooted to replace the potentially outgoing Portuguese boss.

Scott Parker in race to land West Ham manager job

There have already been questions about the future of the former Wolves boss in the hours since the final day victory over Leeds.

After dealing with the bitter taste of relegation, he was immediately asked about his future, but he refused to answer after just 33 games in charge.

It appears that a decision could already be closer than many expected, with crisis talks said to be underway at Rush Green already.

That could soon see Nuno’s sack be announced in East London, with a replacement needed ahead of the new campaign.

With that in mind, Jacob Steinberg reported on Monday that Parker and Gary O’Neil are potential candidates to replace the Portuguese head coach in E20.

Parker has already been linked with a West Ham move, but looks set to have a challenge up against another former Upton Park ace.

Could Chelsea impact West Ham’s chances of appointing Gary O’Neil?

There has been no shortage of coverage about the controversial link between Chelsea and Strasbourg via BlueCo’s ownership.

Fans of the French side have been left in uproar as their team continues to be ripped apart for the betterment of Stamford Bridge.

Liam Rosenior made the move earlier in the season, while key players Emanuel Emegha and Valentin Barco look set to move this summer.

O’Neil currently finds himself in charge of the Ligue 1 side, so there could be a struggle there to get him away from the Chelsea-linked outfit and to the London Stadium.

West Ham’s relegation to the Championship may act in their favour as they won’t be a direct rival to the Blues, but it will be at their discretion, of course.

If they aren’t willing to let him go to East London, a move for Parker could become increasingly more likely if Nuno departs.