West Ham United has confirmed it will keep manager Nuno Espirito Santo in charge following the club's relegation from the Premier League on the final day of the 2024-25 season. The east London side finished 18th in the standings, dropping to the Championship for the first time since 2011 after a dramatic conclusion saw them beaten to safety by Tottenham Hotspur.
Despite finishing two points behind Spurs, the board cited recent signs of improvement and progress as the primary reason for retaining the Portuguese manager. West Ham's final day victory over Leeds United came too late, as their rivals secured a 1-0 win against Everton to claim the final survival spot. A string of three consecutive defeats in early May—losses to Brentford, Arsenal, and Newcastle United—proved decisive in sealing the club's fate.
Board Backs Nuno for Championship Challenge
In a statement released Wednesday, the board highlighted observable improvements in squad mentality and cohesion since January. Directors emphasized that Nuno, who joined on a three-year contract in September following Graham Potter's departure, remains the right leader to mount an immediate promotion push. The 52-year-old expressed strong commitment to the challenge during board meetings this week, demonstrating clear motivation despite the painful outcome.
West Ham finished the campaign with 10 victories and 19 defeats across 38 matches. Nuno brings Championship pedigree to the role: he previously guided Wolverhampton Wanderers to the second-tier title in 2018 with an impressive 99-point haul. That proven track record in the EFL Championship played a significant role in the board's decision to back continuity rather than pursue a managerial change.
Financial Response to Relegation
The club has also announced season ticket price reductions of up to 30% as a gesture toward supporters following the disappointment of going down. This financial commitment underscores the board's intent to rebuild quickly and retain fan engagement during the club's Championship year. With clear goals set for immediate promotion, West Ham now faces a crucial summer transfer window to strengthen the squad for their championship bid.
