Like most West Ham fans, I was delighted when Nuno Espirito Santo decided to promote a few coaches from the academy.

After all, the likes of Steve Potts and Mark Robson have put in the miles behind the scenes for years and, by all accounts, done a fantastic job. Their elevation to the first-team staff offered much-needed continuity and gave the new boss a better understanding of the “West Ham Way.”

Every Manager Needs a Trusted Lieutenant

However, there’s something to be said for having a trusted lieutenant by your side — someone who knows your strengths and weaknesses inside out and isn’t afraid to challenge your decisions.

Potts was promoted by Nuno

That thought crossed my mind as Nuno rolled out another bizarre team selection against Leeds United for the second game running.

I can’t claim to know much about Rui Pedro Silva, Nuno’s former assistant at Nottingham Forest, but I’d imagine he was the type to tell his mate when he was overthinking or simply making daft calls.

And that could well be the issue at West Ham right now. I’ve no way of knowing what’s discussed at Rush Green, but I can imagine...