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Nuno Espirito Santo makes surprise West Ham announcement and explains decision
Photo by Khalid Alhaj/MB Media/Getty Images

Nuno Espirito Santo has just made a statement about West Ham that few saw coming, and there’s now more clarity around what the long-term approach looks like.

It’s been a period of constant change at West Ham, with players, managers and staff coming and going over the last year and a half.

Nuno Espirito Santo is the fourth manager to take charge during that stretch. In that span, roughly 40 players have cycled through the club. And beyond just the squad, there’s been a steady stream of changes behind the scenes as well.

Nuno Espirito Santo comments on West Ham’s long-term plan

There have been encouraging signs of life under Nuno so far, though. West Ham supporters have grown tired of the constant changes in personnel at their club. The fans never really had time to warm up to Potter either, given how quickly he was dismissed and replaced by Nuno. It also didn’t help that the team’s form had been poor under his watch.


Photo by James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images

After two disappointing spells at Tottenham Hotspur and Nottingham Forest, fans were sceptical about bringing Nuno on board. However, he does seem to be working hard to change perceptions about his coaching style and approach.

Now leading a team for a fourth consecutive season in English football, Nuno has taken a hands-on approach with training sessions at Rush Green. He has shown a willingness to adapt tactics from game to game rather than sticking rigidly to one formation.

Nuno clarifies long-term plan amid shock West Ham decision nobody expected

The manager recently spoke candidly about his plans for the club: “I’ve said it before – it’s not going to be an overnight process,” he explained. “It takes time because what we’re trying to build will have strong foundations.”

“We’re looking long-term here – not just short-term success or results.”

“So yes, there are going to be more players coming through into our first team squad over time as part of that project,” he added.

Nuno makes unexpected announcement as West Ham’s plan becomes clear

That has become clearer now following a surprising update from Nuno, one that few people saw coming.

Through an official club statement, Nuno confirmed that Academy coaches Robson, Potts, Prenderville and Lepine have all been formally promoted to the first-team staff.

Nuno praised them as valuable additions, highlighting not just their expertise but also their strong connection to the club – something he believes is important given West Ham’s current situation.

“I’ve been very impressed by their work, their knowledge and their commitment to West Ham United,” Nuno said.

“They know the club, the players and the people here very well, and that’s a great strength for us going forward.”

“Everyone has been very supportive during these first two weeks; they immediately understood what I’m trying to implement, and we already have a good relationship. Every day we learn more and work harder to get closer to the team we want to become.”

Too many times in the past, success stories within the Academy have gone unnoticed or unappreciated.

But there’s some talk that this setup might only be in place for the remainder of Nuno’s first season, with some of his former colleagues possibly joining him later on.

West Ham outline long-term plans for Nuno’s coaching staff

Many of Nuno’s former colleagues from his Forest days are still tied to their current roles, and it’s never straightforward to bring them over. This has left some wondering if those moves will eventually happen.

Nuno has signed an initial three-year contract, and he’ll be working with Robson, Potts, Prenderville and Lepine throughout that period. And for now, there are no plans to add anyone else from outside the club.

“His people from Forest won’t be coming,” the source told Hammers News.

This article first appeared on HITC and was syndicated with permission.

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