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By MICHAEL PAVITT, SPORTS REPORTER Published: 01: 41 AEST, 30 September 2025 | Updated: 01: 41 AEST, 30 September 2025 View comments Nuno Espirito Santo has reportedly begun his West Ham reign in brutal fashion by wielding the axe on one of the squad's most experienced names. Nuno was confirmed as West Ham boss on Saturday, just hours after Graham Potter was sacked. The former Wolves, Tottenham and Nottingham Forest manager will be in the dugout on Monday night as the Hammers face Everton at Hill Dickinson Stadium. Despite being in the job for just two days, the Portuguese coach has reportedly axed James Ward-Prowse from the West Ham squad for their visit to Everton. According to the Sun, Ward-Prowse's expected absence from the squad is not injury related. Ward-Prowse had spent the first half of last season on loan at Nottingham Forest under Nuno. Nuno Espirito Santo has reportedly axed James Ward-Prowse from his first West Ham squad Ward-Prowse started all six matches this season under former manager Graham Potter Ward-Prowse played under Nuno at Forest last season but saw his loan terminated in February The midfielder made nine Premier League appearances for Forest, starting five times, but played just 21 minutes after a 3-0 loss to Arsenal last November. Forest ultimately deemed him surplus to requirements and terminated the loan deal last February. Potter brought Ward-Prowse back into the West Ham squad, with the midfielder playing 15 times for the Hammers in the second half of last season. Ward-Prowse, 30, started all six of West Ham's matches this season under Potter but has come under fire from supporters amid the club's dismal start to the season. West Ham fans will hope Nuno can make an immediate impact to ease concerns over their start to the campaign. The Hammers head into their match against Everton lying 19th in the Premier League table after winning one and losing four of their opening five matches. Their only win of the campaign to date, ironically, came after Nuno prior to his dismissal as Nottingham Forest boss.
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