Former Chelsea manager Graham Potter has been appointed as the new head coach of West Ham United on a two-and-a-half-year contract, as announced by the club on Thursday, following the dismissal of Julen Lopetegui.
At 49 years of age, Potter has been without a managerial role since his departure from Chelsea in April 2023, where he was let go after just seven months into a five-year deal, having achieved 12 victories in 31 matches.
Currently, West Ham sits in 14th place in the Premier League, seven points clear of the relegation zone, having secured six wins out of 20 league games during Lopetegui’s troubled management.
The decisive moment for Lopetegui came after a 4-1 defeat to reigning champions Manchester City last Saturday.
“I am thrilled to be here. It was crucial for me to wait for an opportunity that felt right, and I believe I am a suitable match for West Ham United,” Potter expressed.
Potter’s managerial journey began at the Swedish club Ostersund, followed by successful tenures at Swansea and Brighton before his stint at Stamford Bridge.
His inaugural match will be against Aston Villa in the FA Cup third round on Friday, ahead of Premier League fixtures against Fulham and Crystal Palace.
Lopetegui became the fifth Premier League manager to be dismissed this season, joining Erik ten Hag (Manchester United), Steve Cooper (Leicester), Gary O’Neil (Wolves), and Russell Martin (Southampton) in losing their positions.
West Ham was one of the top spenders in the Premier League during the summer transfer window, investing approximately £125 million ($155 million) on players such as Max Kilman, Crysencio Summerville, and Niclas Fullkrug.
“My discussions with the chairman and the board have been very encouraging and productive,” Potter stated.
“We share a commitment to hard work and high energy, which are essential for establishing a strong foundation for success. Furthermore, we are aligned in our vision for both the immediate future and the long-term development of the club.”
