David sullivan has always made it a policy of appointing a head coach – manager – call it what you will – who is out of contract and available ob the head coach equivalent of a ‘free’ transfer. As one reader commented this afternoon- Sullivan saved a few million by appointing [Lopetegui](https://www.claretandhugh.info/potter-must-learn-lessons-from-lopeteguis-loan-fiascos/) for free – who then blew forty million on Max Kilman. _How did that work out?_
But it seems Sullivan won’t be swayed from repeating the same mistake over and over, picking a manager from ‘whoever is available without compensation’ rather than deciding who is the best suited manager to take the club forward. And then paying the going rate to get him.
However in this instance it could be that **Nuno Espírito Santo** could be both ‘free’ and the ‘best candidate’. Sacked by Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis, the Portuguese manager comes with an impressive CV having guided Nottingham Forest into Europe, hence that all important Sullivan pre-requisite of Premier League experience ticked too.
[Givemesport.com’s](https://www.givemesport.com/west-ham-eyeing-nuno-espirito-santo-as-potter-pressure-ramps-up/) article earlier today suggests West Ham are, indeed, considering Espírito Santo:
“_Nuno Espirito Santo could reportedly make a swift return to Premier League management with West Ham United as the pressure grows on Graham Potter…It’s claimed that West Ham owner David Sullivan is an admirer of Nuno and has previously looked at appointing him at the London Stadium. He was a huge success at the City Ground, guiding Forest to a seventh-placed finish last season after a lengthy top-five challenge.”_
Which begs the question – what’s not to like? Good for West Ham. Good For Sullivan. Good for Espírito Santo. Far too simple. I’m sure West Ham’s management board will find a way to procrastinate until December when someone else has already grabbed the Portuguese manager and the Irons are left scrabbling around the bargain basement bucket.
Just for once, you’d wish David Sullivan could do the right thing.