Bombshell for Leeds United loanee as manager sacked with £15m transfer obligation at risk
The out-on-loan Leeds United man will have to impress a new manager shortly.
Out-on-loan Leeds United striker Joel Piroe will soon have a new manager following news of West Ham sacking Nuno Espirito Santo.
The Hammers are currently eighth in the Championship following back-to-back home defeats against Southampton and West Bromwich Albion. Espirito Santo’s side were widely tipped to run away with the second-tier title this season but have lacked consistency.
Espirito Santo has come under fire for his inability to get a star-studded Hammers side - including on-loan Piroe and England international Jarrod Bowen among others - flowing. And how London Stadium chiefs have decided to end his tenure.
A Hammers statement read: “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.”
Piroe has made 12 Championship appearances for West Ham but only six have come from the start, the striker scoring three goals. The Suriname international’s loan move includes an obligation to buy worth around £15m if the Hammers are promoted, which is currently at risk of not being activated.
The London club are currently in the final play-off place, with positions three to eight now entering the post-season knockout competition. Among the names being linked to succeed Espirito Santo are former Tottenham Hotspur boss Thomas Frank and ex-Hammers midfielder Scott Parker.