AdminNuno Espirito Santo must remain as West Ham manager next season, regardless of whether the club are playing in the Premier League or the Championship.
The Hammers’ damaging 3-1 defeat at Newcastle on Sunday intensified fears of relegation, while also sparking fresh debate around the financial implications of dropping out of the top flight.
Reports this week highlighted that London taxpayers could face an additional annual cost of £2.5 million should West Ham go down due to clauses in the London Stadium agreement.
Mayor Sadiq Khan addressed the situation on Monday, saying: “If West Ham are relegated, we – the taxpayers – we, City Hall, could lose up to £2.5m a year.
“So what I say to Londoners who don’t support Spurs is, you should probably be cheering on West Ham because the taxpayer will lose out if they go down.”
Nuno’s side have collected 33 points from 32 league matches, a tally which has left them vulnerable in a fiercely competitive relegation battle.
However, there have been signs of progress under the Portuguese coach despite a difficult campaign and several frustrating setbacks.
The former Wolves manager has already shown he can thrive in the Championship, guiding Wolves to promotion in 2018 before establishing them in Europe.
There is now uncertainty surrounding his future, with reports suggesting relegation could prompt an exit. Yet many inside West Ham believe stability is needed rather than another managerial change.
If the club are prepared to stand by Nuno, there is growing hope he will repay that faith and lead the rebuild himself.
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