Cole Former Hammer Joe Cole is backing new Irons boss Nuno Espirito Santo to lead the club to safety this season - despite having failed to secure a win in either of his opening two fixtures in charge.
The Portuguese Head Coach, who replaced the outgoing Graham Potter last month opened his account with a 1-1 draw at Everton before suffering a 2-0 defeat against Arsenal at The Emirates in which his side barely laid a glove on their opponents.Yet Cole, who enjoyed two spells at West Ham as a player is confident that Santo can lead a charge up the table in the coming weeks, with United preparing to face Brentford, Leeds United, Newcastle United and Burnley in their next four outings.
"Nuno coming in is, I think, is a very smart appointment by the club," Cole told Paddy Power. "I think he’s the right man. Once Jose Mourinho wasn't available, I would have probably gone for Nuno or Sean Dyche.
"They needed someone who understands the Premier League, and somebody who was very strong in the areas that West Ham needed to improve - the defensive unit and defending set pieces. So it would have been a pick between those two for me.
"I don't think [Nuno can lead West Ham to] a European spot, but to safety? Certainly. I think he'll do a good job."
However Cole was scathing of the manner in which the club's board handled the departure of Potter, who was fired less than nine months after taking charge from Julen Lopetegui who was similar shelved after a poor start.
"I don't believe the way that the club handled or treated Graham Potter was correct," insisted Cole. "Unfortunately, it seems to be par for the course for not just West Ham, but a lot of football clubs.
"Head Coaches are up there with a target on their back, with not as much control as you probably need to implement your vision. Potter can certainly walk away from the club and say, 'I didn't get the time, I didn't get the backing'."
* Something to say about this story? Please visit the KUMB Forum to leave a comment.
