A major West Ham announcement has been tinged with sadness over the decision regarding the future of much-loved coach Paco Jemez.
When Nuno Espirito Santo arrived at West Ham last September he did not get what was promised to him.
The Hammers had agreed to go out and bring in Nuno’s own coaching staff who have worked alongside him throughout his career.
Nuno’s long-time right-hand man Rui Pedro Silva was expected to head up a new-look backroom team alongside the Portuguese head coach when he replaced Graham Potter last September.
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Julio Figueroa, Rui Barbosa and Antonio Dias were also expected to be hired as goalkeeper coach and fitness coach respectively.
In the end, though, only Barbosa arrived with the likes of Mark Robson and Steve Potts promoted from the Academy to fill the gaps.
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Nuno's long-time assistant is heading to the Hammers…
West Ham were clearly missing something as results and performances failed to improve under Nuno.
That was until mid-January when West Ham – who had been cut seven points adrift after defeats to Nuno’s former clubs Wolves and Forest – hired no-nonsense Spaniard Paco Jemez.
The former Ibiza head coach quickly became a firm West Ham fan favourite and was hailed as a game-changer by a host of the team’s star players.
But Jemez only joined on a short-term contract, which expired at the end of the season.
Fans have been desperate to see him return and help lead the club back to the Premier League.
When Hammers News reported news that Silva was set to join West Ham as Nuno’s new assistant coach there was also an update from Jemez.
West Ham confirm Jemez will not return
The man who scolded Nuno for bringing on Max Kilman as a sub to see out a game admitted he did not know whether he was wanted back at West Ham as he waited for job offers.
Now Jemez and Hammers fans have their answer.
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Because a major West Ham announcement is tinged with sadness over Nuno’s Jemez decision.
In announcing the arrival of Silva, the Hammers have confirmed Jemez will not be returning.
“Silva will now join Assistant Coaches Steve Potts and Gerard Prenderville, Goalkeeping Coaches Rui Barbosa and Billy Lepine, and Lead Fitness Coach Jordan Smith, in completing Nuno’s coaching staff,” West Ham said in a statement.
“Mark Robson will return to his previous role as the Academy of Football’s Senior Professional Development Phase Coach/U21s Lead Coach. Greg Lincoln returns to his role as Academy Head of Coaching and Player Development, having coached the U21s during the 2025/26 season.
“Paco Jemez has departed the Club after his spell as an assistant to Nuno in the second half of last season. We would like to thank Paco for his hard work and commitment during his time with us.”
While it is sad to see Paco go, Silva has been hailed as the tactical mastermind behind Nuno’s success at other clubs.
Wolves fans are gutted to see him leave for their Championship promotion rivals, with many saying they think he guarantees the Hammers the title.
Jemez had made it clear he would prefer his next job to be as a head coach again so perhaps that is why he is not returning to West Ham.
As the saying goes, though, once a Hammer, always a Hammer.
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