The impending arrival of Rui Pedro Silva at West Ham United is being described as a ‘huge boost’ for Nuno Espirito Santo. But what does it mean for Wolverhampton Wanderers?
Well, news of the 49-year-old’s likely departure from Molineux has not gone down well.
Having worked together previously at seven different clubs – Malaga, Panathinaikos, Rio Ave, Valencia, Porto, Wolves and Nottingham Forest – Rui Pedro Silva and Nuno Espirito Santo will be reunited at West Ham United.
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Nuno's long-time assistant is heading to the Hammers…
According to The Telegraph’s John Percy, the Porto-born coach will take up the role of number two in East London. He arrives following the short-lived Paco Jemez spell.
And Percy is not the only one who feels that Silva’s appointment ‘will only improve West Ham’s chances’ of an immediate return to the Premier League. That is the narrative developing over at Molineux too, much to the frustration of a Wolves fanbase who grew to really admire Silva during two spells with the Old Gold.
Wolves fans unhappy as West Ham United near Rui Pedro Silva hire
“Well, that’s them up. And you’d imagine he’ll be able to share all our transfer plans with West Ham…” one extremely pessimistic Wolves fan writes on X, while another lays the blame at the door of a despised ownership group.
While Daniel Kretinsky looks to awaken the sleeping giant following the departure of David Sullivan, what Wolves would give for a clean break from Fosun.
“Weakening us and strengthening a promotion rival because we decided to sack off [Rob] Edwards for a random Portuguese bloke,” a fan writes, referring to the appointment of little-known head coach Cesar Peixoto. “Great stuff, Fosun.”
“That [Silva] is a genuine loss.”
“This is not a good outcome for Wolves. Thank you Rui and good luck.”
“Always had a good reputation did Rui Silva, and our three-game pickup of wins came when he rejoined [in December 2025]. Only worried that him and Nuno are a great team and will do well for West Ham.”
“Horrible news.”
London-bound Silva made a big impression at Nottingham Forest
Silva was a big part of the picture when Nuno Espirito Santo guided Wolves to the Championship title in 2017, recording 30 wins and 99 points along the way.
Rui Pedro Silva certainly brings the ‘fight’ and the fire to succeed in a brutal, 46-game season. He has spoken openly in the past about the unique challenges the Championship brings, and how he and Nuno helped to navigate them.
Experience which may prove invaluable at a West Ham side facing their first second-tier campaign since 2011/12.
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One Nottingham Forest supporter even goes as far as to predict that West Ham will ‘win the league comfortably’ now. Silva, they say, was ‘the brains’ behind a Forest side who were transformed from relegation battlers to Europa League qualifiers in the space of a season and a half.
“Yeah, they’re steamrolling their way through the Championship.”
“That’s West Ham winning the league at a canter.”
“Get ya money on them winning the Champ.”
From a Wolves perspective, it’s advantage West Ham already.
“Congratulations West Ham on winning the league. Suppose second will have to do.”
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