West Ham United have announced Graham Potter as their new manager, with the English boss agreeing a two-and-a-half year deal at the London Stadium.
The former Brighton and Chelsea boss takes over from Julen Lopetegui, who was sacked by the Hammers on Wednesday after overseeing an underwhelming 20 Premier League games in charge.
The Spaniard, who will be paid just over £3million in compensation by the Hammers due to a clause in his contract, was relieved of his duties following a poor run of form which culminated in a 4-1 defeat by Manchester City last Saturday.
The disappointing loss at the Etihad followed West Ham’s 5-0 drubbing at the hands of league leaders Liverpool six days earlier, with both results leaving the Hammers in 14th position in the Premier League table.
Potter had been locked in talks with Irons owner David Sullivan ahead of Lopetegui’s official dismissal.
Confirming the 49-year-old’s appointment in a statement, the club said:
Graham Potter has been named as West Ham United’s new manager, the club confirmed today
He takes over from Julen Lopetegui, who was sacked by West Ham after a rocky run of form
Potter, who harboured plenty of praise during a fruitful spell at Brighton, endured a difficult six months in charge of Chelsea, losing 11 of his 31 games at Stamford Bridge.
Despite having not returned to management since being sacked by Chelsea in April 2023, Potter was West Ham’s No 1 target to replace Lopetegui, with Christophe Galtier, Paulo Fonseca, Edin Terzic and Michael Carrick among names on the shortlist.
After a raid from England’s new manager Thomas Tuchel saw Chelsea lose two staff members in Henrique Hilario and James Melbourne earlier this season, the Blues could now face further approaches from another former boss.
Ben Roberts and Kyle Macaulay accompanied Potter when he was appointed at Stamford Bridge in September 2022 as a goalkeeper coach and recruitment analyst respectively and both remain on the club’s staff.
As he assembles his backroom at West Ham, Potter could swoop to work again with his old colleagues, particularly Macaulay. The Hammers did not list their goalkeeping coach Xavi Valero as one of those who departed with Lopetegui on Wednesday morning.
Despite guiding the club to European glory and three top-10 Premier League finishes, the Hammers parted ways with David Moyes last summer due to a desire to improve the style of play.
Lopetegui was unable to carry out that instruction and frustrated supporters were subjected to directionless tactics with no clear motive.
Pressure had been mounting on Lopetegui for some time, starting with a 3-1 loss to Leicester at the start of December which led to the furious away section aiming ‘you’re getting sacked in the morning’ chants the Spaniard’s way.
Lopetegui was unable to improve the Hammers style of playing while also winning matches
Potter’s return to the dugout comes almost two years after the manager was axed by Chelsea
The former Chelsea boss had been pictured with West Ham technical director Tim Steidten
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However, a run of four league matches unbeaten – including wins over fellow strugglers Wolves and Southampton – appeared to buy Lopetegui time, who had also jetted home during that run following the death of his father.
‘The first half of the 2024/25 season has not aligned with the Club’s ambitions and the Club has therefore taken action in line with its objectives,’ read the club’s statement confirmed Lopetegui’s dismissal on Wednesday.
‘The Board would like to thank Julen and his staff for their hard work during their time with the Hammers and wish them every success for the future.’
Potter was in the television studio at the King Power Stadium during the defeat by Leicester on December 3 and admitted he was keeping an eye on a return to management.
‘Yeah, of course,’ he said. ‘As I’ve said before, you’re open to everything.’
