London – West Ham United has officially announced Graham Potter as the club’s new head coach on a two-and-a-half-year contract. Potter replaces Julen Lopetegui, who was dismissed after just 20 games in charge.
The 49-year-old former Chelsea and Brighton & Hove Albion manager is making his return to the Premier League after a 21-month hiatus following his departure from Stamford Bridge in April 2023. Potter is set to lead his new team for the first time on Friday night in the FA Cup third round when West Ham faces Aston Villa. His first Premier League match with the club will be a London derby against Fulham on January 14.
Potter will be accompanied by his trusted coaching staff, including Bruno as assistant coach, Billy Reid as first-team coach, and Narcis Pelach as first-team coach.
In a statement, Potter expressed his excitement about the new challenge, stating, “I’m happy to be here. I wanted to make sure that I was a good match for the club I was joining and that I waited until a position that I thought was perfect for me came around. That’s how I feel about West Ham United.”
He further added, “We share the same values of hard work and high energy to build the strong foundations that can produce success, and we are in agreement about what is required in the short term and how we want to move the Club forward in the medium to long term. These discussions have been very positive and constructive with the chairman and the board.”
Potter also praised the club’s immense fan base and its global reach. “Located in the center of London, West Ham United is a massive club with an enormous fan base and strong international support. I saw the celebrations after their 2023 Europa Conference League triumph, and it was evident that this is a team that has what it takes to succeed on and off the field on a regular basis.”
Potter’s journey to West Ham United is marked by an impressive managerial career. He began his playing career as a full-back with clubs like Birmingham City, Stoke City, and West Bromwich Albion, notably playing in Southampton’s famous 6-3 victory against Manchester United in 1996-97. He retired from playing in 2005 to begin his coaching career, starting as a football development manager at Hull University and briefly serving as Ghana’s women’s team technical director during the 2007 World Cup.
His managerial career took off in 2010 with Östersunds FK, where he achieved remarkable success, including a victory over Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium and leading the team to three promotions. After his success in Sweden, he returned to the UK to manage Swansea City and then Brighton & Hove Albion, where he guided the Seagulls to a record-breaking ninth-place finish in the Premier League for the 2020-21 season.
Despite a promising start at Chelsea, Potter left the Stamford Bridge role in April 2023, and now takes on the challenge of revitalizing West Ham United, who currently sit 14th in the Premier League, seven points clear of the relegation zone.
Potter’s appointment signals a new chapter for West Ham as they look to improve their position in the league and continue their aspirations for future success.
