Nuno Espirito Santo appointed West Ham manager after Graham Potter sacked following disastrous start to season

NUNO ESPIRITO SANTO has taken over as West Ham manager following Graham Potter’s dismissal.

Potter, 50, was sacked after a dismal start to the season with the Hammers now second to bottom in the Premier League table after losing four of their first five matches, of which they only won one.

Instagram @westhamNuno was unveiled as West Ham boss today[/caption]

Instagram @westhamThe Portuguese has already taken his first training session ahead of Monday’s game with Everton[/caption]

Nuno replaces Graham Potter, who experienced a dismal start to the season with West HamJustin Setterfield/Getty Images

SunSport reported that Nuno, 51, was in advanced talks to take the top job at the London Stadium.

The Portuguese tactician, who was himself sacked by Nottingham Forest after only three games into the season following a loss to West Ham, has signed a three-year deal and becomes the club’s third manager in the calendar year.

Potter only replaced Julen Loptegui in January, with the Spaniard having succeeded David Moyes last summer.

West Ham held talks with ex-Wolves boss Nuno ahead of their home game against Crystal Palace last week but initially held fire over pulling the trigger following another defeat.

He will be in charge of West Ham’s game at Everton on Monday night against former boss Moyes.

Nuno said: “I am very pleased to be here and very proud to be representing West Ham United.

“My objective is to work hard to get the very best from the team and ensure that we are as competitive as we possibly can be.

“The work has already started and I am looking forward to the challenge that is ahead.”

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West Ham confirmed Nuno will be assisted initially by Academy coaches Mark Robson, Steve Potts, Gerard Prenderville and Billy Lepine.

A further announcement is expected over his own coaching team in due course.

Head of recruitment Kyle Macaulay, who has worked with Potter throughout his career and joined from Chelsea earlier this year, remains in post for now.

Potter himself posted a classy message shortly after the announcement.

He wrote: “I am incredibly disappointed to be leaving West Ham United Football Club, particularly without being able to achieve what we set out to achieve at the start of our journey in East London. I do however fully acknowledge that the results have just not been good enough up to now.

“Firstly, thank you to the board for offering me the opportunity to manage the team during the past 8 months. It was an honour and a privilege to manage such a historic club, which holds such strong values for footballing traditions and passion for the game.

“I’d like to thank all the staff at the club who made me feel so welcome, the playing squad and their continued efforts during my time – and lastly the fans, who have been so supportive during what has been a difficult journey at times.

“I wish the club nothing but the best of luck for the future.

“Thank you and goodbye for now. Come on you irons.”

Nuno underwent an acrimonious exit from Forest only two weeks ago.

SunSport understand the ex-Porto boss’ future at City Ground first came into question in May.

Forest’s collapse at the final stages of last season – which led to the team falling off the top five that denied them Champions League qualification – Nuno’s explosive public statements about his relationship with owner Evangelos Marinakis and his falling out with new Head of Global Football Edu Gaspar led to his dismissal.

West Ham visit Arsenal after Monday’s Everton game on October 4 before hosting Brentford 16 days later.

Nuno’s new side then visit Leeds on October 24 before hosting Newcastle on November 2.

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