West Ham United have dismissed head coach Graham Potter after just nine months in charge, with the club sitting second-bottom in the Premier League. The 49-year-old was unable to reverse the team’s decline since taking over in January and leaves with a poor record of only six wins in 23 league matches.
Potter succeeded Julen Lopetegui on a two-and-a-half-year deal but quickly came under pressure as results failed to improve. Last season, West Ham ended the campaign in 14th place, the same position they were in when Potter was appointed. Hopes of a revival this term evaporated after just five league fixtures, with the Hammers collecting only three points. A 2-1 home defeat to Crystal Palace proved to be the final straw.
The board said results and performances had fallen below expectations and that a managerial change was necessary to safeguard the club’s Premier League status. The process of appointing a replacement is already underway, with former Wolves and Tottenham boss Nuno Espirito Santo set to take over at the London Stadium.
Potter’s tenure was defined by inconsistency and a style of play that frustrated supporters. His side were often passive without the ball, allowing opponents to dictate games, while offering little direct attacking threat in possession. West Ham also struggled badly at set-pieces, conceding repeatedly from crosses and corners.
The Hammers’ home form under Potter further increased fan unrest. The team has now gone eight matches at the London Stadium without victory, a barren run stretching back to February. Supporters expressed their frustration during the Palace defeat, with chants calling for his dismissal echoing around the ground.
Statistically, Potter departs with one of the lowest win percentages of any West Ham manager in the Premier League era. His record is worse than Lopetegui’s and only narrowly above the struggles endured under Avram Grant. With the club in 19th place, the hierarchy felt swift action was needed.
Attention now turns to Nuno Espirito Santo, who is expected to bring stability and experience as West Ham seek to climb away from the relegation zone. The Portuguese coach’s appointment is anticipated before the Hammers’ next league match against Everton.
