Middlesbrough FC and Sheffield United's Championship rivals West Ham axe boss Nuno Espirito Santo
Sheffield United and Middlesbrough’s Championship rivals have axed their head coach - and presented a curveball for a Leeds United forward
Sheffield United and Middlesbrough’s Championship rivals West Ham United have axed Nuno Espirito Santo from his role as head coach.
The 52-year-old took the reins at the London Stadium in September 2025 and was at the helm as the Hammers suffered relegation from the Premier League.
He was trusted to oversee their rebuild in the second tier but with the club sat eighth after 13 games, Espirito Santo has been shown the door.
West Ham wield axe
A club spokesperson said: “West Ham United can confirm that men’s first-team head coach Nuno Espírito Santo has left his position with immediate effect.
“Following a thorough review of the start to the EFL Championship season, the board of directors believe that a change is necessary at this time in order to ensure that the Club’s objectives and expectations remain on track.
“Assistant head coach Rui Pedro Silva and goalkeeper coach Rui Barbosa have also departed.
“West Ham United would like to thank Nuno, Rui and Rui for their hard work and commitment during their time at the Club, and wish them all the very best for the future.
“The process of recruiting a new head coach is already underway. Mark Noble, Steve Potts and Gerard Prenderville will take temporary charge of squad preparations ahead of tomorrow evening’s EFL Championship fixture at Cardiff City, and the club will make no further comment until the appointment of the new head coach is confirmed.”
West Ham sit just three points above 10th-placed Sheffield United and are six points adrift of table-toppers Middlesbrough.
Curveball for Leeds United forward
The decision has presented a curveball to Leeds United forward Joel Piroe, who linked up with Espirito Santo’s squad in the summer.
Since sealing a loan switch from Elland Road, the 27-year-old has started six of West Ham’s 13 league games and scored three goals.
Among his teammates is winger Manor Solomon, a member of Leeds’ Championship title-winning squad in 2025.