(Credit: Imago)
(Credit: Imago)

'I've got to say this' - Nuno Espirito Santo tipped to make instant change at West Ham for Everton clash

Jack Heath

Jack graduated with a BA in Spanish from the University of Leeds in 2023 before obtaining his NCTJ from the News Associates, Twickenham in 2025. He previously worked as a sports reporter at Daily Mail Online, principally writing about football. Jack is also a life-long supporter of Tottenham. He joined Breaking Media in July 2025 as a football writer for Football Insider.

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West Ham's board have been blasted by Matt Le Tissier for their handling of the appointment of Nuno Espirito Santo.

The Portugese was appointed as Graham Potter's successor by the London club on Saturday just weeks after being axed by Nottingham Forest.

Football Insider exclusively revealed on 14 September that Espirito Santo would make a Premier League return and he is now preparing to take charge of West Ham for Monday's clash against Everton.

Premier League legend Matt Le Tissier exclusively told Football Insider his take on the managerial appointment and what has happened behind the scenes.

West Ham manager Graham Potter shouting desperately
(Credit: Hasan Karim, Breaking Media)

Nuno Espirito Santo appointment to change West Ham 'play style' amid odd timing

Espirito Santo joined an unwanted Premier League club following his sacking by Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis.

Yet, the Portuguese is back in the managerial hot-seat and will lead the Hammers into battle when they travel to face Everton on 29 September.

However, the appointment has perplexed Le Tissier who was surprised by when it was decided the east London side axed Potter.

Nuno Espirito Santo Nottingham Forest
(Credit: Imago)

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider he said: "People will be asking what can he do differently? I firstly think there will be a very different style of play.

"They are different managers, you saw the way Nuno's Forest team went about their business, very different I think to the way West Ham did and so I think West Ham fans will be quite excited by this appointment.

"I'm sure the West Ham fans are a little bit more optimistic now but, I've got to say, the timing of it is a little bit strange.

West Ham chairman David Sullivan at the London Stadium
(Credit: Imago)

"You know, on the Saturday [27 September] before a game on the Monday, I mean, you're not giving any new man a huge amount of time first and foremost.

"If you are going to sack a manager surely you would do it after the previous game and give the next manager as much time as possible to prepare.

"It doesn't seem like there is a great deal of thought gone on behind that."

West Ham board disagreement over Espirito Santo shows cracks in the club go too deep

Vice-chairman of West Ham Karen Brady met with Espirito Santo and Gary O'Neil which contrasted with David Sullivan's preferred choice of Slaven Bilic.

The disagreement over who was to be the successor of Potter shows that the east London outfit is in a perilous position from top to bottom.

Karen Brady looking focused
(Credit: Imago)

The Portuguese manager also has a record of clashing with the owners and the board from his time at Forest and Wolves.

Therefore, this could be a sign that the Hammers may be set for more turbulent times despite the optimistic arrival of the ex-Valencia manager.

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