West Ham confirm Parker as boss

West Ham United have confirmed the appointment of former midfielder Scott Parker as their new head coach on a two-and-a-half-year contract. The 46-year-old replaces Nuno Espirito Santo, who was sacked on Tuesday after the club's disappointing start to the Championship season. Parker previously led Fulham, Bournemouth and Burnley to promotion from the Championship, but has been out of work since leaving the Clarets in April after their relegation from the Premier League.

He will take charge of the team for the first time on Wednesday when West Ham travel to Cardiff City in the Championship. First-team coaches Steve Potts, Gerard Prenderville and Billy Lepine will assist Parker while his former team-mate Mark Noble will also work closely with him in his role as sporting director. "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," Parker told the club website.

, external "There was a warmth, a love, a feeling that I probably didn't have anywhere else.