Paco Jemez, the man hailed by West Ham stars as the key to the turnaround in form and performances since January, has announced he is leaving the club.
West Ham looked dead and buried when they lost at home to Nuno Espirito Santo’s old club Forest at the start of 2026.
A massive turnaround in performances and results gave the Hammers a chance of Premier League survival when there was absolutely no hope before.
West Ham’s change in fortunes was directly attributed to the arrival of no-nonsense Spanish coach Paco Jemez.
Paco Jemez announces he is leaving West Ham
Following the former Ibiza manager being brought in as Nuno’s assistant, West Ham closed a 13-point gap on Spurs to eventually leapfrog them in the table ahead of the final five games.
In fact after Jemez’s arrival in east London in January, West Ham were the sixth best team in the entire Premier League.
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That’s right the Hammers have embarked on a spell of European qualification form in their bid for survival.
West Ham were keen to point that statistic out when they announced Nuno would be staying.
But now the man who fans and players believe was really behind the upturn is leaving the club.
The Hammers have been hit by devastating blow as key man Jemez has announced his departure.
Last month Hammers News said West Ham must do everything in their power to keep Jemez, whether the club was relegated or not.
West Ham’s players – almost to a man – have raved about Jemez’s impact.
Jemez says he will be a Hammers fan for life
He has become something of a cult hero among fans and his influence was also noted by pundits, with Jamie Carragher saying Jemez could be the difference for West Ham before they stumbled with those three defeats during the final four games.
There have even been suggestions Jemez, who is adored by Pep Guardiola, should and could take Nuno’s job.
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But now the fan and player favourite is leaving the London Stadium, leaving a big hole on the coaching staff ahead of a hugely important summer and Championship campaign.
Jemez admits it has been tough going since he joined the club but says he is now a Hammers fan for life.
“It’s been tough, but it’s been worth it,” Jemez said on X alongside a picture of West Ham’s players in a huddle with ‘Irons’ on the big screen in the background.
“Thank you Nuno! Thank you West Ham, thank you Hammers!
“From now on I’m just another Irons (fan).”
The impact Jemez’s departure could have on West Ham’s promotion hopes cannot be underestimated.
He endeared himself to Hammers fans after reading the riot act to Nuno for trying to bring Max Kilman on as a late sub to see out a game.
Jemez said he was brought to West Ham to challenge Nuno not be a ‘yes man’.
It is now vital he is adequately replaced amid rumours he helped bring a divided dressing room together.
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