West Ham 2026/27 Championship preview
For the first time in over 15 years, West Ham United are preparing for a Championship season. It’s just the fourth season the Hammers have been outside England’s top flight since their first promotion of the Premier League era in 1993. Their last Championship stay lasted just one season, though they needed the play-offs in 2011/12 to secure an immediate return to the Premier League. But things will be a lot hearder this time around.
The Hammers haven’t been in a good position for a while, with three bottom-half finishes across their final four Premier League seasons. Although their battle for safety in 2025/26 went to the final day, and they only missed out on safety by two points, West Ham had been worthy of their relegation. Nuno Espirito Santo was brought in to save West Ham, but they fell away when it mattered most, having looked in control.
He remains in charge of West Ham and they have largely kept their Premier League squad so far. The main exception is the sale of Mateus Fernandes to Tottenham Hotspur — against whom they battled for safety last season. Adama Traore and Callum Wilson have also left the London Stadium, but West Ham may be confident of their chances of an immediate return. They have the squad for it, though the league remains tough.

West Ham set-piece specialists:
- Penalties: Jarrod Bowen
- Free-kicks: James Ward-Prowse, Freddie Potts
- Corners: Freddie Potts, Jarrod Bowen
West Ham FAQs
Where did West Ham finish in the 2025/26 Premier League season?
West Ham finished 18th in the Premier League, suffering relegation to the Championship for the 2026/27 campaign.
Who is the West Ham manager?
Nuno Espirito Santo is the current West Ham manager, replacing Graham Potter in late September.
Who is the current West Ham captain?
Jarrod Bowen is the current West Ham captain, having taken the armband at the start of the 2024/25 season.