From Wolves to West Ham: proof Nuno is the manager Hammers need

Nuno Espírito Santo has been in English football long enough for his qualities to be assessed fairly. From transforming Wolves into European contenders, to steadying Nottingham Forest in difficult circumstances, the Portuguese coach has demonstrated both adaptability and resilience. West Ham fans, still recovering from the uncertainty of Graham Potter’s short tenure, may be about to experience a far more pragmatic and effective leadership.

When Nuno was unveiled as Wolves’ head coach in May 2017, there was scepticism. The club had suffered relegation to League One and cycled through managers without stability. Within ten months, Wolves had won the Championship comfortably. Soon after, they were in Europe, reaching the quarter-finals of the Europa League and the FA Cup semi-finals. Nuno’s methods, doubted at first, quickly became the foundation of a new era at Molineux.

At Nottingham Forest, he again proved his tactical pragmatism. Inherited systems did not bother him: he kept a 4-2-3-1, adjusted for personnel limitations, and maximised pace on the counter with Callum Hudson-Odoi and Anthony Elanga. The result was a team sitting third for months and narrowly missing Champions League qualification. For a squad many had written off, it was a significant achievement. This adaptability is exactly what West Ham have lacked in recent years.

One of Nuno’s strengths is identifying how to use players properly. Conor Coady is perhaps the best example: converted from a lower-league midfielder into an England international centre-back under his guidance. At Forest, he adjusted tactics to suit slower central defenders, rather than forcing them into systems they could not handle.

This emphasis on pragmatism and simplicity has already been noted at West Ham. Jarrod Bowen spoke after the 1-1 draw with Everton about how the first instructions from Nuno were “simple messages.” For a squad that struggled under tactical tinkering, clarity will be welcome.

Nuno’s success has also been built on creating loyalty. Players at Wolves and Forest often spoke about his ability to foster unity and a sense of family. At Wolves, he even donated £250,000 of his own money to the club’s foundation to support local people after Covid-19. That act of generosity explains why he remains so admired in Wolverhampton.

But he is not without edge. Nuno can be terse with the media after a poor result, and his brief spell at Spurs showed that not every squad will buy into his methods. Yet when he does get the buy-in, his track record suggests results follow.

FootballPlace analyst John William believes West Ham have chosen wisely:

“Nuno’s pragmatism is what West Ham need right now. He does not overcomplicate things, he makes tactical calls that suit the players, and he commands loyalty in the dressing room. Sullivan’s decision will be judged on results, but on evidence from Wolves and Forest, Hammers fans should expect progress rather than confusion.”

The Hammers’ immediate challenge is to stabilise results and climb away from mid-table uncertainty. With Europa League football on the horizon, Nuno’s experience in balancing domestic and continental demands could prove invaluable.

Longer term, West Ham supporters will look for signs of the unity and pragmatism that defined his Wolves and Forest spells. If those qualities emerge, there is every chance that Nuno could become the steady hand the club has been searching for.

👉 Do you think Nuno Espirito Santo is the right man to take West Ham forward?