Former Chelsea boss Graham Potter named West Ham Manager

Potter will be in the dugout for Friday's FA Cup 3rd Round tie against Aston Villa.

London: West Ham United have confirmed the appointment of Graham Potter as the club's new manager. The 49-year-old has signed a two-and-a-half-year contract, taking over from Julen Lopetegui, who was dismissed on Wednesday after six months in charge.

In his statement on West Ham's official website, Potter expressed his enthusiasm for joining the club.

"I am delighted to be here," he said. "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."

He added that his discussions with the club’s chairman and board had been positive and constructive, and he feels aligned with the club’s goals. "We share the same values of hard work and high energy to create the solid foundations that can produce success," Potter said.

Potter joins West Ham with the club sitting 14th in the Premier League standings, seven points above the relegation zone. West Ham have won just six of their league matches this season.

The club’s decision to part ways with Lopetegui followed a period of underperformance, as the team faced difficulties in securing consistent results.

This marks Potter’s first managerial position since he was dismissed by Chelsea in April 2023. Potter had been appointed by Chelsea following Todd Boehly’s takeover of the club but was let go after less than seven months in charge.

Under Potter, Chelsea struggled to find form despite significant spending in the transfer market, including a £323 million outlay in the January 2023 transfer window.

After a series of poor results, including an 11th defeat in 31 matches, Potter was dismissed from his role at Stamford Bridge.

Prior to his time at Chelsea, Potter managed Brighton & Hove Albion, where he gained recognition for his work with the team. He had also managed Ostersunds FK and Swansea City earlier in his career.

Potter will take charge of his first game as West Ham manager as the Hammers travel to Villa Park on Friday to face Aston Villa in the FA Cup.