- West Ham were relegated from the Premier League last Sunday
- The Hammers have decided to keep head coach Nuno Espirito Santo despite the 18th-place finish
- Former vice-chair Karren Brady has backed the decision
One key decision could determine West Ham United’s return to the Premier League, and former vice-chair Karren Brady claims the club has already made it.
The Hammers are still suffering from the disappointment of relegation, which ended their 14-year top-flight status on the final day of the season. Despite defeating Leeds United 3-0 last weekend, Nuno Espirito Santo’s side finished 18th and, as a result, will start the 2026-27 season in the Championship.
In the days that followed, Nuno’s future remained unknown. The Portuguese head coach was swiftly linked with a departure, and rumours stated board members were split on whether he should stay in charge. However, the hierarchy ultimately decided to continue with Nuno, ensuring that he will manage the club’s promotion push next season.
Karren Brady breaks silence after West Ham departure
Following West Ham’s relegation, Brady broke her silence after the Baroness stepped down from the leadership role she held at the club for 16 years in April.
“It was a painful weekend for everybody connected with West Ham United,” Brady wrote in her Sun Sport column. “Relegation hurts. There is no getting away from that and, honestly, there should not be.
“What matters now is how the club responds. And personally I believe there are reasons for supporters to look forward with some optimism, particularly with Nuno Espirito Santo remaining in charge.”
Brady played a key part in the club’s current state, including the hiring of Nuno, which persuaded majority shareholder David Sullivan to secure the coach, who had just been sacked by Nottingham Forest earlier in the season.
Brady backs West Ham’s decision to keep Nuno Espirito Santo
On Nuno, 57-year-old Brady cites her brief relationship working with him at West Ham and also highlighted his past success at Wolverhampton Wanderers, noting that he led the Molineux club to promotion in 2018 and developed a solid culture that eventually translated into Premier League stability.
Brady adds: “When he came in, the situation was already difficult.” “Confidence was low, pressure was everywhere and every game carried enormous weight.
“Yet, almost immediately, there was greater organisation, greater discipline and, just as importantly, greater belief. You could see players fighting again. You could see a manager taking responsibility.
“I also think Nuno’s calmness will become important over the next year.
“Relegation can easily lead to panic; panic in recruitment, panic among supporters desperate for instant answers. But the Championship punishes chaos. It rewards stability, leadership and clear direction.
“Nuno has shown before that he knows exactly how to build that. At Wolves, he created more than just a promotion-winning side. He created a culture and a momentum that carried the club forward for years afterwards.
“Players improved under him. Fans believed in what they were seeing. There was a feeling of purpose about the whole football club.
Brady’s comments come as Nuno continues to split supporters. While some fans feel Nuno is the most effective manager to lead West Ham’s rapid return to the Premier League, others are sceptical following a season marked by inconsistency.
A significant squad reshuffle is likely this summer, with some high-profile departures anticipated as West Ham seeks to balance its finances and adapt the club for life in the second tier, a situation that will ultimately test the decision to back Nuno.
