The pressure cooker at the London Stadium is about to blow. 🔥 After a disastrous 3-0 defeat to Wolves in 2025, which left the Hammers perilously deep in the relegation mire, manager Nuno Espirito Santo's position has become untenable. Fast forward to 2026, and the echoes of that performance still haunt the club's corridors. Owner David Sullivan, never fully convinced by Nuno's appointment after Graham Potter's dismissal, is now reportedly on the verge of pulling the trigger for a second mid-season managerial change.

The situation is dire. The club's transfer activity in early 2026—bringing in striking reinforcements—has done little to paper over the glaring tactical cracks. The festive period offered no respite, and the new year has begun with the same sense of impending doom. With survival in the Premier League the absolute priority, Sullivan is actively considering a dramatic return to the past to secure the future.

🔄 The Leading Candidate: A Familiar Face Returns?

All signs point towards one man: Slaven Bilic. ✨ The charismatic Croatian, a former fan favourite during his previous stint, is understood to be ready and waiting for an emergency call from the club he once led with passion. Sullivan has always been a huge admirer of Bilic and was keen to reappoint him back when Potter was initially sacked. However, other board members swayed the decision towards Nuno. Now, with that experiment failing spectacularly, Sullivan may finally get his wish.

• Why Bilic? Instant fan connection, proven Premier League experience, and a known quantity to the owner.

• The Challenge: Taking over a squad low on confidence, with the immediate task of organising a leaky defence—a far cry from his more free-flowing earlier team.

⚫️⚪️ The Wildcard: A Club Legend in the Wings

But Bilic isn't the only former Hammer in the frame. Michael Carrick's name is once again being seriously discussed at boardroom level. The Manchester United legend and former Middlesbrough boss is currently without a club and represents a different kind of gamble.

Carrick was previously sounded out for the role, but talks never progressed. Now, at 44, he's back on the shortlist. He would represent a move towards a modern, progressive style of coaching, but his lack of experience in a relegation dogfight is a significant concern for a club in West Ham's precarious position.

The Stakes Have Never Been Higher 💎

This isn't just another managerial merry-go-round. The club's Premier League status is on the line, and the financial implications of relegation in 2026 are catastrophic. Sullivan's decision will define the club's trajectory for years to come.

Candidate	Pros	Cons
Slaven Bilic	Fan support, instant morale boost, knows the club.	Tactical approach questioned, previous stint ended poorly.
Michael Carrick	Modern coach, respected figure, long-term project potential.	Zero relegation battle experience, a risky appointment in a crisis.

What Happens Next?

The mood is one of resignation mixed with frantic planning. Nuno's public apology after the Wolves defeat now feels like a distant memory. The board is actively weighing up two very different profiles: the emotional, fire-fighting return of Bilic versus the calculated, future-focused gamble on Carrick.

One thing is clear: the new signings—Pablo, Taty Castellanos, and the pursued Adama Traore—were investments for a Premier League future. Sullivan now needs a manager who can ensure there is a Premier League future to play in. The clock is ticking, the fans are restless, and a decision that will shape the destiny of West Ham United is imminent. The 2026 season hangs by a thread, and only a bold move can possibly save it. ⏳