(Credit: Imago)

Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

Wed 27 May 2026 7:06, UK

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Gary O’Neil is an early candidate to take over if West Ham United decide to sack Nuno Espirito Santo, sources have told Football Insider.

The Strasbourg boss is viewed as a manager who would “fit the bill” for what the Hammers would be looking for if they decide to part company with their current chief.

The 43-year-old is viewed as a promising young coach, and sources say that his proven Premier League experience with both Wolves and Bournemouth make him an appealing option for the West Ham hierarchy.

O’Neil led Strasbourg to an eighth place finish in Ligue 1 after taking over from Liam Rosenior back in January, and could be in the frame to take over at the London Stadium if needed.

Nuno’s future at West Ham is expected to be settled in the coming days after the team’s relegation last weekend, and it remains to be seen whether he will be given a chance to lead the club back.

What are West Ham looking for in their next boss?

Nuno’s fate at the London Stadium is not yet sealed, but there is a growing feeling that David Sullivan and Co. may pull the trigger on him after he failed to keep the team in the Premier League.

The Hammers hierarchy are already weighing up their options for if they decide to go down that route, and it is clear what type of boss they would target for their next appointment.

O’Neil is one of the early contenders to step into the spotlight ahead of next term, while Scott Parker is also among the favourites amid the uncertainty surrounding Nuno’s future.

Both have strong connections to the club, and are managers who have gained experience beyond their years across the last few campaigns.

West Ham will have their eyes fixed firmly on securing an immediate return to the Premier League in 2026-27, and it is already clear nothing less will do for whichever boss ends up in the hot seat next term.

David Sullivan already has ‘straightforward’ appointment in mind

Football Insider revealed on Tuesday that West Ham view Parker as a “straightforward” appointment to step in as Nuno’s successor if needed, given that he is now out of work.

The 45-year-old is a free agent, having been sacked by Burnley after their recent relegation was confirmed, meaning that no compensation payment would be needed to land him this summer.

Parker has three Championship promotions on his CV already, and he has achieved those through both automatic promotion and through the play-offs at Wembley.

That prior record of success in the second tier makes him an appealing candidate for the East Londoners, who are already adamant over their aims for 2026-27.