West Ham United have confirmed that manager Nuno Espirito Santo will remain in charge despite the club’s relegation from the Premier League.
The Portuguese coach met with senior club officials on Monday following West Ham’s drop into the Championship, with both sides eventually deciding to continue their partnership ahead of next season.
In an open letter to supporters, the club said Nuno remains fully committed to leading the Hammers back to the top flight at the first attempt.
“We are pleased to confirm he has expressed his continued commitment to the club – as we have to him,” the statement read.
“Nuno made it very clear that he is highly motivated for the challenge of guiding West Ham United back to the top flight at the first time of asking.”
West Ham back Nuno’s experience
The London club pointed to Nuno’s previous success in the Championship with Wolverhampton Wanderers as a major reason behind the decision.
The 51-year-old guided Wolves to promotion in 2018 after winning the Championship title with 99 points.
West Ham also highlighted improvements in performances during the closing months of the season despite ultimately failing to avoid relegation.
“A total of 25 points taken from our final 17 Premier League matches equated to 1.47 points per game,” the club stated.
“Furthermore, we feel the clear improvement in squad mentality and togetherness since January makes him the right man to lead us forward.”
Financial pressure looms
Relegation is expected to create major financial challenges for West Ham, with reports suggesting the club could lose around £200 million in revenue.
The Hammers had already recorded losses exceeding £100 million in their most recent financial accounts, increasing pressure ahead of the summer transfer window.
Several key players, including captain Jarrod Bowen and midfielder Mateus Fernandes, have been linked with moves away from the club.
West Ham were relegated from the Premier League for the first time since 2012 and will now begin preparations for life in the Championship under Nuno.