There appears to be a growing sense of inevitability regarding the sacking of Nuno Espirito Santo and the subsequent return to West Ham United of Scott Parker.
Hammers News reported even before relegation was confirmed on Sunday that former Upton Park favourite Parker had been identified as a clear frontrunner to replace the man currently in the London Stadium dugout.
Nuno Espirito Santo is expected to leave before the week is over.
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Sporting director Mark Noble is an admirer of Parker the manager, too, having played alongside Parker the footballer between 2007 and 2011.
Yet, if Parker finds himself squarely in the West Ham United limelight, hiding away in the shadows is another very recognisable face; Slaven Bilic.
David Sullivan wanted Slaven Bilic back at West Ham United
Bilic reportedly held talks with Blackburn Rovers earlier this month.
Official confirmation regarding his takeover at Ewood Park has been conspicuous by its absence, though. And it is tempting to wonder if the 57-year-old Croatian may be keeping his cards close to his chest while awaiting another offer from a very familiar destination.
Speaking to talkSPORT shortly after Nuno replaced Graham Potter just four games into the season, Bilic confirmed that he had discussed returning to the club he represented both as a player and a coach.
“There was a bit [of discussion,” Bilic said. “I was close, or whatever, but I didn’t get the job. They got Nuno.”
It is no secret that chairman David Sullivan was the driving force behind the pursuit of Bilic.
Former vice-chair Karren Brady championed Nuno instead, and would eventually prove victorious in something of a power struggle behind the scenes between the head honcho and his long-time confidante.
Brady brought an end to her 16-year spell at West Ham in April, however. From Sullivan’s perspective, the greatest obstacle facing an East London return for Slaven Bilic might now be out of the way.
Relegation confirmed – where do West Ham go from here?
“Of course, I am very excited about the possibility of returning to management, in the Premier League or at a big club in the Championship that has ambitions to go up,” Bilic added in that talkSPORT interview; West Ham going from the former to the latter following Tottenham’s fateful, final day victory over Everton.
“I think I proved myself in the Premier League and also at West Brom [who were promoted on Bilic’s watch in 2020].
“I think, with my experience, I will be able to steer the right club into the Premier League.”
In the absence of a strong leadership group in the West Ham boardroom, with Brady no longer in the building, there may be no one left to stand in Sullivan’s way.
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