West Ham United have officially appointed former midfielder Scott Parker as their new head coach on a two-and-a-half-year contract. The 46-year-old steps into the managerial role to replace Nuno Espirito Santo, who was relieved of his duties on Tuesday following a disappointing start to the club's Championship campaign.
Parker takes the helm with a distinguished track record in the division, having previously secured promotions to the Premier League with Fulham, Bournemouth, and Burnley. He had been out of management since April after departing the Clarets following their relegation from the top flight, but now returns to familiar surroundings aiming to repeat his past successes.
The newly appointed head coach will be supported by first-team coaches Steve Potts, Gerard Prenderville, and Billy Lepine, while his former team-mate Mark Noble will work alongside him in his capacity as sporting director. Expressing his excitement on the club website, Parker described it as a very proud moment for him and his family, emphasizing his connection to the supporters: "There was a warmth, a love, a feeling that I probably didn't have anywhere else. There was something which stood out constantly and that was the relationship that I built up with the fanbase here. That rapport and respect, that I felt instantly." Parker added that he feels "privileged and honoured to be the guy that wants to lead us back to the Premier League."
Parker will take charge of the squad immediately, making his managerial debut on Wednesday when West Ham travel to take on Cardiff City in the Championship. The club has also confirmed that further appointments and announcements regarding the wider backroom staff will be revealed over the coming days and weeks.