Former Chelsea and Brighton manager Graham Potter has been announced as the new manager of West Ham United, following the abrupt departure of former Hammers boss Julen Lopetegui after a disappointing six-month reign.
West Ham dismissed Lopetegui after the Spaniard managed just six wins from 20 Premier League matches, leaving the team 14th on the table. Despite a £120 million investment in new players, the former Real Madrid and Spain boss failed to impress fans or mount a European challenge after succeeding David Moyes.
Reports on Wednesday indicated West Ham targeted Potter as their new manager and on Thursday, the Hammers confirmed his appointment on a two-and-a-half-year deal.
“I am delighted to be here,” Potter said upon signing a two-and-a-half year contract. “It was important to me that I waited until a job came along that I felt was right for me, and equally that I was the right fit for the Club I am joining. That is the feeling I have with West Ham United.
“My conversations with the Chairman and the Board have been very positive and constructive, we share the same values of hard work and high energy to create the solid foundations that can produce success, and we are on the same wavelength in terms of what is needed in the short-term and then how we want to move the Club forward in the medium to long term.
“West Ham United is a huge Club, at the heart of London, with a tremendous fanbase and great support all around the world. I saw the scenes that followed their Europa Conference League victory in 2023 and it was clear that this is a Club with everything in place to become consistently successful, both on and off the pitch.
“The Club have made a lot of good progress in recent years and ensured there are some very strong foundations in place to build on. You don’t win a European trophy by fluke – there has to be a good bedrock at a football club for that to happen, and the challenge now is to take that on and build the next steps, to develop a team and a Club that the supporters can be proud of.”
Potter, making his managerial comeback since leaving Chelsea in April 2023, will lead West Ham for the first time on Friday as they face Aston Villa in the FA Cup third round. He will then look to help his new team navigate a tricky run of Premier League fixtures against Fulham, Crystal Palace and Aston Villa respectively.
Olaoluwa is a dedicated sports writer and passionate football enthusiast with two years of experience. Known for his keen analysis and commitment to the game, his work reflects a deep love for football, blending strategic insight with the emotional moments that make it a global passion. He is focused on honing his skills and consistently aims to inspire and engage readers through every article he writes.
