West Ham announced Graham Potter as their new head coach after sacking former manager Julen Lopetegui. Potter agreed to a two-and-a-half-year deal and will take charge during Friday’s FA Cup third-round fixture at Aston Villa.
The 49-year-old returns to management 21 months after being sacked by Chelsea in April 2023, following a successful spell at Brighton & Hove Albion. Negotiations over the contract took two days, with both parties debating the deal’s length.
Potter expressed his delight, stating, “It was important to wait for the right job and fit. That is the feeling I have with West Ham.”
He added, “My conversations with the chairman and board were positive and constructive. We share values of hard work and high energy to create solid foundations for success.”
Potter praised West Ham as a huge club with a tremendous fanbase and global support. He noted the scenes following their 2023 Europa Conference League victory, highlighting the club’s potential for consistent success.
He acknowledged the club’s progress in recent years, emphasizing the strong foundations in place. Potter aims to build on this and develop a team and club that supporters can be proud of.
Related Posts
Initially, the Hammers offered Potter the role until the season’s end, with an automatic renewal for two years if he leads West Ham to a specific points tally.
West Ham’s statement reads, “West Ham United is delighted to welcome Graham Potter as the club’s new head coach. The 49-year-old joins on a two-and-a-half-year contract and will take charge during the FA Cup third round on Friday.”
The club described Potter as a highly-respected and sought-after coach, awaiting the right opportunity after leaving Chelsea in April 2023. The Board unanimously chose him to take the club forward in line with its objectives and ambitions.
