West Ham United co-owner David Sullivan and vice-chair Karren Brady have been weighing up whether to attempt to lure Burnley boss Scott Parker to the London Stadium and, after a woeful start to the season, it is clear that he would be an upgrade on current head coach Graham Potter.
The Hammers are in serious danger of failing to retain their Premier League status unless they make a speedy alteration in the dugout as they have only sealed one win this term, against Nottingham Forest last month, and they were eliminated from the Carabao Cup at the earliest possible opportunity.
Sullivan and Brady were the target of protests before the defeat to Crystal Palace last weekend, highlighting the disconnect between the fanbase and the hierarchy, but showing some ambition by tempting Parker away from Turf Moor would go down well with a large section of supporters.
Hammers Need to Land Parker After Worrying Results
West Ham have held talks over a move for Parker after adding him to a shortlist of managerial targets which also includes the likes of Nuno Espirito Santo, Slaven Bilic and Gary O'Neil, GIVEMESPORT senior reporter Andrew Dillon has exclusively revealed, and exploring whether he would be interested in swapping Burnley for the London Stadium hot-seat should be seen as a no-brainer.
The 44-year-old has an imperious record in his current surroundings, having led the Clarets back into the Premier League and suffered just seven defeats over the course of his 56-match reign, and the Hammers are crying out for that winning mentality as they aim to claw themselves out of a relegation dogfight.
Despite being among the favourites to drop into the Championship this season, Parker's Burnley have made a strong start to the campaign and would have more points on the board were it not for conceding stoppage time penalties against reigning champions Liverpool and Manchester United either side of the international break.
GIVEMESPORT Key Statistic: Scott Parker has recorded 112 wins over the course of 253 matches in management
West Ham will have to pay compensation to get the tactician out of Turf Moor, which goes against what Sullivan usually likes to do after previously plumping for free agents. But the east Londoners are in a worrying position and need to get the next appointment right, not simply go for the cheapest option.
Handing Parker the managerial reins would excite large sections of the Hammers' fanbase, particularly after it has been doom and gloom in the opening weeks of the campaign, and the hierarchy need to prioritise convincing him to walk away from Burnley in favour of returning to the capital for a fresh challenge.
Parker is Already Aware of East Londoners' Demands
Parker already has an affinity with West Ham fans after enjoying a four-year spell on the club's books during his playing career, winning three coveted Hammer of the Year awards along the way, meaning he can identify with them and already understands the demands he would face if he quits Burnley.
Admittedly, the former Bournemouth, Fulham and Club Brugge tactician tarnished his relationship with the supporters by joining arch-rivals Tottenham Hotspur when he departed following relegation, but he is the outstanding candidate if Potter is axed in the coming weeks.
Parker ticks all the boxes for West Ham. He has managerial experience in the Premier League, boasts an exciting style of play and - should it come to it - has already shown that he is capable of winning promotion from the Championship. Sullivan and Brady need to do all they can to persuade him to save the east Londoners' season.