West Ham may soon be looking for a third manager this season after the Hammers have had a nightmare season on the pitch. Manager Nuno Espirito Santo replaced former manager Graham Potter at the end of September, but has struggled to get good form out of his players.
Mr Potter was relieved of his duties after four defeats in his opening five Premier League games, and Mr Sant was expected to improve the Hammers’ fortunes following his successful spell as manager of Nottingham Forest. However, the East London Giants have won just two of their 12 league games under the Portuguese manager, and are currently in the safe zone with a five-point difference. And Express Sport are considering four potential managers to replace 51-year-old Espirito Santo if he loses his job at the London Stadium.
Slaven Bilic
Slaven Bilic managed West Ham from July 2015 to November 2017 after spending just over a year as a Hammers player in the late 1990s.
The Croatian was popular during his time as Hammers manager, thanks to his no-nonsense approach and ability to get the best out of his players.
Bilic, 57, is currently unemployed after stepping down as Al Fateh coach in August 2024. And he may be tempted by the prospect of returning to his former club.
frank lampard
Frank Lampard has restored his reputation as one of England’s best up-and-coming managers after leading Coventry City to the top of the Championship by eight points.
The 47-year-old, who previously managed Chelsea and Everton, will be keen to return to the Premier League.
However, West Ham may face a tough task in convincing the former England international to leave the Ricoh Arena now, with Coventry potentially still months away from promotion.
Kieran McKenna
West Ham could instead turn to another Championship manager in Kieran McKenna, who currently manages Ipswich.
McKenna, 39, is another young manager tipped to enjoy a bright future in management after leading the Tractor Boys to the Premier League two years ago. However, they could not keep them at the top level.
Ipswich have won 10 of their 23 games this term and are currently in 3rd place in the 2nd division. But if McKenna believes his side are not good enough to win automatic promotion to the top flight, he may be willing to look elsewhere if a suitable offer comes along.
Gary O’Neill
Former Wolves manager Gary O’Neill may believe he can fire West Ham again despite losing his job as Wolves manager just a year ago.
The 42-year-old impressed during his seven-month spell as Bournemouth manager between November 2022 and June 2023. And his tenure with the Timberwolves started off well, showing he can make an impact in the dugout. He could therefore be a decent option if the Hammers turn to their unemployed manager.
