West Ham United have appointed former midfielder Scott Parker as their new manager on a two-and-a-half-year deal as the club look to turn their season around and push for promotion back to the Premier League.
Parker, who previously played for the Hammers between 2007 and 2011, returns to the club with plenty of experience in the Championship after successfully winning promotion with Fulham, Bournemouth and Burnley.
The appointment comes after the departure of Nuno Espírito Santo following a disappointing start to the season which has left West Ham eighth in the Championship table.
The club will be hoping Parker can bring fresh ideas and improve performances as they look to get their promotion campaign back on track.
A familiar face
The 46-year-old is a familiar face to West Ham supporters, having made 129 appearances for the club during his playing career.
He was also named ‘Hammer of the Year’ three times in a row, showing the important role he played during his time in east London.
Parker will now be looking to make a positive impact in his second spell at the club, this time as manager rather than a player.
His experience of getting teams promoted could prove important as West Ham look to return to the top flight as quickly as possible.
Speaking in his first interview as West Ham manager, Parker explained how much the club means to him and his family.
“It is a very proud moment for me to step into this role and return to a club that means so much to me and my family,” he said.
“I have some great memories from my time here and I am looking forward to working hard to bring success back to West Ham.”
Parker also spoke about the challenge ahead and the importance of getting the supporters behind the team as they look to achieve promotion.
READ MORE: EFL Championship: Wrexham vs Middlesbrough preview and prediction
Hammers release statement
West Ham released an official statement confirming Parker’s appointment and welcoming him back to the club.
The statement read: “We are delighted to welcome Scott Parker back to West Ham United as our new head coach on a two-and-a-half-year contract.
“Scott knows the club extremely well and brings valuable experience, particularly in the Championship, having achieved promotion with three different clubs.
“We believe Scott is the right person to lead the team forward and help us achieve our aim of returning to the Premier League.
“Everyone at West Ham United wishes Scott the very best of luck in his new role.”
The club will be hoping Parker’s appointment gives the players and supporters a boost, especially after what has been a difficult period for the team.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: EFL Championship: Richard Dunne praises Brian Barry-Murphy and Jack Moylan impact at Cardiff City
What happens next?
Parker’s main aim will be to improve West Ham’s performances and get the team challenging for the automatic promotion places.
There will be pressure on him to deliver results quickly, with supporters expecting the club to be competing near the top of the table rather than struggling to find consistency.
His previous success with Fulham, Bournemouth and Burnley suggests he has the experience needed to handle the demands of the Championship.
However, managing a club he once represented could bring its own challenges, with expectations likely to be high.
West Ham fans will be hoping that bringing back a former player can help restore some confidence and excitement around the London Stadium.
Overall, Parker’s appointment looks like an important decision for West Ham as they aim to get their season back on track.
Only time will tell whether he can be the man to lead the Hammers back to the Premier League.
READ NEXT: West Brom news: James Morrison is doing a ‘fantastic’ job at WBA, says Tony Pulis
