West Ham release statement on Nuno Espirito Santo’s future to confirm official decision

Nuno Espirito Santo is staying at West Ham after their relegation to the Championship, the club have confirmed.

The Hammers were widely expected to part company with the Portuguese manager after finishing 18th in the Premier League.

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However, an official statement has now been released to confirm Espirito Santo will not be sacked.

It read: “We held meetings with Head Coach Nuno Espírito Santo early this week and are pleased to confirm that he has expressed his continued commitment to the Club – as we have to him.

“Nuno made it very clear that he is highly motivated for the challenge of guiding West Ham United back to the top flight at the first time of asking. That must be the unquestionable goal for next season. Nuno has spent one previous year in the EFL Championship and it was an outstanding success as he secured 99 points to win the title with Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2018.

“While the ultimate outcome on Sunday was a painful one, the Board of Directors believe that there have been broader signs of improvement and progress in recent months, and we want Nuno to continue developing that progress.

“A total of 25 points taken from our final 17 Premier League matches equated to 1.47 points per game – a ratio that would have resulted in a seventh-place finish across the full season. Furthermore, we feel the clear improvement in squad mentality and togetherness since January, leading to that upturn in performances and results, makes him the right man to lead us forward.”

talkSPORT understands Daniel Kretinsky, the club’s second-largest shareholder, pushed for Nuno to stay, while David Sullivan, the largest shareholder, was more inclined to change.

More to follow.