Former West Ham assistant Paco Jemez has backed Nuno Espirito Santo to deliver promotion back to the Premier League while setting the record straight on their relationship after his unexpected departure from the Hammers.

The popular Spaniard became a cult hero among West Ham supporters during his six months in east London, helping spark a major improvement in performances and results after joining Nuno Espirito Santo’s coaching staff in January.

Many fans were devastated when Paco Jemez left at the end of his short-term deal, with Nuno opting to bring his longstanding assistant Rui Pedro Silva to West Ham instead.

Now managing Moroccan club Raja Casablanca, Jemez has delivered his verdict on West Ham’s promotion prospects and addressed speculation about his relationship with Nuno in an interview with Portuguese newspaper O Jogo.

And his message will reassure supporters who wondered whether there was more to his departure than met the eye.

West Ham have made an encouraging start to their Championship campaign and moved into second place following their crucial 1-0 victory away to leaders Swansea.

The result brought the Hammers to within a point of the summit after 11 games, strengthening their hopes of an immediate return to the Premier League.

Jemez believes Nuno is the man to get them there.

“I’m convinced he’ll get the promotion, to bring West Ham back to the Premier League,” the Spaniard said.

“He’s a hard worker, very dedicated to what he does.”

It is a significant vote of confidence from somebody who worked closely with the West Ham boss during the much-improved second half of last season.

Jemez arrived in January when the Hammers were cut adrift and looked dead and buried with no hope of survival.

The former Ibiza boss helped oversee a marked improvement in performances, particularly defensively, winning praise from a host of key Hammers stars.

Jemez sets the record straight on Nuno relationship

West Ham ultimately went down, but their revival was substantial enough to leave many supporters convinced the Spaniard deserved to stay.

One of Jemez’s most memorable moments at West Ham came when he berated Nuno over his decision to bring on Max Kilman to see out a game, with the Spaniard becoming increasingly animated on the touchline as the manager looked to change his team.

Jemez was subsequently proved right on that occasion when the decision backfired, further endearing him to supporters who admired his passion and willingness to challenge the manager.

Given that public disagreement and his subsequent departure, questions inevitably arose about whether the pair had fallen out.

Jemez has now made his position clear.

“Our relationship is great, and in that game, we only had one disagreement about who should come on,” he explained.

“I gave my opinion, which isn’t always in agreement with his. He’s the coach, I had to respect him.”

Those comments suggest there was no serious breakdown in their relationship. Jemez was willing to express his views, but ultimately recognised that Nuno was the manager and had the final say.

The Spaniard also made clear that he looks back on his time in England fondly.

“I’m grateful because I got to know the Premier League from the inside. I loved the club.”

Jemez’s comments are likely to reinforce the affection West Ham supporters continue to hold for him.

West Ham are now tasked with turning their promising position into promotion, and Nuno deserves credit for guiding a heavily revamped squad into the top two.

Whether Jemez would have made an additional difference this season is impossible to know. But his backing of the current manager is unequivocal.

Jemez may no longer be part of the West Ham coaching staff, but he still believes in Nuno, still loves the club and is convinced the Hammers will be back in the Premier League.