Parker takes over as manager of English club West Ham.

West Ham, competing in the EFL Championship, has announced the appointment of Scott Parker as the team's new manager following the dismissal of Portuguese coach Nuno Espírito Santo. The London club aims to return to the Premier League.

Parker, a former midfielder for the England national team, spent four seasons as a player at West Ham and successfully led Fulham, Bournemouth, and Burnley from the Championship to the top tier as a manager.

The 46-year-old has also previously managed Belgian club Club Brugge.

After signing a two-and-a-half-year contract, Parker expressed his happiness, stating, “It’s a huge moment of pride for me to take on this role and return to a club that holds a special place in my heart and my family’s.”

He added, “I have great memories from my time here, where I spent four years playing some of the best football of my career. It was a time filled with warmth and love, and I felt a connection I haven’t experienced anywhere else.”

Parker, who will lead the team in their match against Cardiff on Wednesday, said, “Above all, this is a hugely motivating opportunity for me.”

West Ham terminated Espírito Santo’s contract last Tuesday; he had been in charge during the previous season when the team was relegated from the Premier League.

Many consider West Ham one of the top contenders for immediate promotion to the Premier League, but they currently sit in eighth place, six points behind leaders Middlesbrough.

Parker believes he can guide West Ham back on the right path toward promotion, stating, “I’m proud to be the person who will lead the team back to the Premier League.”

The new manager added, “I’ve been through this league three times and managed to get promoted each time. It’s a tough league, no denying that. I will use all my experience and knowledge to achieve this goal.”

Parker becomes the fourth permanent manager to take charge of West Ham since Scottish coach David Moyes left in May 2024. The club dismissed Spanish coach Julen Lopetegui after just six months in charge and ended Graham Potter’s contract eight months after his appointment.