Nuno to stay as West Ham boss after relegation

Nuno Espirito Santo will continue in his role as West Ham manager, guiding the team in their efforts to secure a return to the Premier League at the earliest opportunity.

The Portuguese manager convened with the club's senior management on Monday following the team's relegation from the top division. Although either party had the option to terminate their agreement without compensation, they opted to maintain their partnership in anticipation that Nuno can replicate his successful promotion campaign with Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2018.

"We are pleased to confirm he has expressed his continued commitment to the club – as we have to him," stated the club in an open letter to the supporters.

"Nuno has articulated that he is highly motivated by the challenge of leading West Ham United back to the Premier League at the first opportunity. This objective must be our unequivocal goal for the upcoming season.

"Nuno possesses prior experience in the Championship, where he excelled by securing 99 points to clinch the title with Wolverhampton Wanderers."

In their statement, West Ham acknowledged the disappointing nature of their recent season, admitting, "We cannot shy away from the fact our season has not been good enough."

With this relegation marking their first fall to the Championship since 2012, club sources estimate the financial impact could amount to £200 million in lost revenue. This follows a substantial loss exceeding £100 million recorded in their latest financial accounts, with further losses anticipated this season. As a result, player sales from a roster that includes key figures such as captain Jarrod Bowen and Portugal international Mateus Fernandes are likely.

Nuno's successful campaign at Wolves was bolstered by contributions from players like Ruben Neves and loan recruits including Diogo Jota. It remains uncertain whether he will have access to players of similar caliber in his forthcoming season with West Ham.

However, after a challenging start following Graham Potter's dismissal in September, West Ham's management is optimistic about Nuno's potential to recreate his promotion success.

"Although the outcome on Sunday was disappointing, the board of directors believe there have been noticeable signs of improvement and advancement in recent months, and we wish for Nuno to continue fostering that progress," the club remarked.

"A total of 25 points garnered from our last 17 Premier League matches yielded a ratio of 1.47 points per game, a figure that would have positioned us for a 7th place finish over the complete season. Additionally, we perceive a clear enhancement in squad mentality and unity since January, culminating in a surge in performances and results, which supports our belief that he is the right individual to lead us forward."

Hammers pledge to listen to fans

Alongside the aim of a rapid return to the Premier League, the club has committed to mending its fractured relationship with supporters.

Many fans continue to harbor resentment regarding the decision to relocate from Upton Park to the London Stadium in 2016. Despite being the second-largest stadium in the Premier League with a capacity of 62,500—almost double that of the next largest Championship venues—numerous supporters feel the atmosphere is lacking.

More critically, they believe that the promises made surrounding the move—a commitment to enhancing West Ham's competitiveness at the upper echelons of the Premier League and consistency in European competitions—have not been fulfilled.

Of the original architects of the move, only chairman David Sullivan remains. His business partner David Gold passed away in January 2023, and vice-chair Karren Brady resigned from the club last month, with ongoing supporter criticism cited as a contributing factor.

"For every single individual who is passionate about the club, relegation is a deeply painful experience, and that sentiment will endure for some time," stated West Ham.

"The board now needs to evaluate every facet of the club's operations to ensure that when we return to the Premier League—hopefully in August 2027—we emerge as a better West Ham United in all respects, both on and off the pitch.

"We recognize the necessity to repair our relationship with the fanbase. We aspire for West Ham United to be a club that actively listens to all supporters and communicates transparently.

"We are dedicated to incorporating supporter feedback, complemented by tangible and meaningful actions; commencing with reductions of up to 30% across all season ticket prices for the upcoming season."