West Ham United have confirmed that manager Nuno Espirito Santo will remain in charge despite the club’s relegation from the Premier League.
The Portuguese coach met with West Ham’s senior management on Monday following the club’s drop to the Championship, with both parties deciding against ending their agreement despite having clauses allowing a separation without compensation.
In an open letter to supporters, the club said: “We are pleased to confirm he has expressed his continued commitment to the club – as we have to him.”
“Nuno made it very clear that he is highly motivated for the challenge of guiding West Ham United back to the top flight at the first time of asking. That must be the unquestionable goal for next season.”
West Ham pointed to Nuno’s previous success in the Championship, where he guided Wolverhampton Wanderers to the title in 2018 with 99 points.
“Nuno has spent one previous year in the Championship and it was an outstanding success as he secured 99 points to win the title with Wolverhampton Wanderers,” the statement added.
The Hammers were relegated from the Premier League for the first time since 2012 after a difficult campaign the club admitted “has not been good enough.”
Club sources estimate the relegation will cost West Ham around £200m in lost revenue. The financial impact comes after losses exceeding £100m in the club’s latest accounts, with further losses expected this season.
The situation is expected to force player sales, with key figures including captain Jarrod Bowen and Portugal midfielder Mateus Fernandes attracting interest.
Nuno replaced Graham Potter in September and endured a difficult start before improving results in the closing months of the campaign.
“While the ultimate outcome on Sunday was a painful one, the board of directors believe that there have been broader signs of improvement and progress in recent months, and we want Nuno to continue developing that progress,” the club said.
“A total of 25 points taken from our final 17 Premier League matches equated to 1.47 points per game – a ratio that would have resulted in a 7th place finish across the total season.”
“Furthermore, we feel the clear improvement in squad mentality and togetherness since January, leading to that upturn in performances and results, makes him the right man to lead us forward.”
Faridah Abdulkadiri
