Can Parker roll back the years and be a success at West Ham?

Parker replaces Nuno at West Ham after winning three Championship promotions with Fulham, Bournemouth and Burnley, most recently guiding Burnley to a record-breaking 100-point season.

Scott Parker has been appointed West Ham head coach, replacing Nuno Espirito Santo. Parker brings extensive Championship experience, having secured promotion to the Premier League with Fulham, Bournemouth and Burnley. Most recently, he guided Burnley to the 2025 Championship title with a record-breaking defensive campaign, conceding just 16 goals across the season and becoming the first team in English league history to never concede more than one goal in a single game.

West Ham, currently eighth in the Championship, are the division's top scorers but have struggled defensively, particularly at home. Parker's proven ability to build defensive solidity while maintaining attacking threat could address this imbalance. The former England international also has deep roots at West Ham, having played and captained the club, winning the Football Writers' Player of the Year during his time there.

Parker's appointment comes after he demonstrated his ability to navigate early-season challenges at Burnley, guiding them through a difficult August-November period before their eventual title triumph. His emphasis on building strong dressing-room culture and clarity has been a hallmark of his managerial approach.