Nuno Espirito Santo in 2026 against Fulham

Nuno Espirito Santo sets West Ham promotion mission after staying on

Adem Ozcan Last updated: Jun 4, 2026, 1:03 pm
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Image: IMAGO / Every Second Media

Nuno Espirito Santo has declared that West Ham United have only one objective next season after confirming he will remain in charge despite the club's relegation from the Premier League.

The Portuguese coach had been the subject of intense speculation following West Ham's drop into the Championship, with reports suggesting the club could part ways without paying compensation due to a clause in his contract.

However, after discussions with the board, West Ham announced last week that Nuno would continue as head coach and lead the club's bid to secure an immediate return to the top flight.

Speaking to the club's media channels, the 52-year-old insisted there was never any real uncertainty over his future.

Nuno dismisses doubts over West Ham future

Following relegation, questions quickly emerged over whether West Ham would opt for a managerial change ahead of a crucial Championship campaign.

Instead, the club chose continuity.

Nuno revealed that both he and the board remained aligned throughout discussions, despite the disappointment of relegation.

He admitted the period immediately after the season was difficult for everyone involved but stressed there was always a shared desire to continue working together.

The backing of key figures within the club, including major shareholder Daniel Kretinsky, is believed to have played a significant role in securing that outcome.

Promotion is now the clear objective

While the uncertainty surrounding his position has now been resolved, Nuno made it clear that attention has immediately shifted towards next season.

His message was straightforward: West Ham must return to the Premier League at the first attempt.

The former Wolves manager knows exactly what is required to achieve that goal. In 2018, he guided Wolves to the Championship title before establishing them as a competitive Premier League side.

That experience could prove invaluable as West Ham attempt to navigate one of the most demanding divisions in English football.

The scale of the challenge is obvious. Relegated clubs often face significant squad turnover and heightened expectations, making stability in the dugout a valuable asset.

Key Points

  • Nuno Espirito Santo will remain as West Ham manager.
  • The Portuguese coach insists there were never doubts about his future.
  • West Ham were relegated from the Premier League in 2025/26.
  • Promotion back to the top flight is the club's primary objective.
  • Nuno previously won the Championship with Wolves.

What’s next?

West Ham's focus will now turn towards summer recruitment and retaining key players ahead of the new Championship season.

The club are expected to reshape parts of the squad while building a team capable of challenging for automatic promotion. However, success will depend on how effectively they handle the transition from Premier League football and cope with the demands of a fiercely competitive division.

Can Nuno repeat his Wolves success and guide West Ham straight back to the Premier League at the first attempt?

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