West Ham United has confirmed the appointment of former Chelsea manager Graham Potter as their new head coach.
The 49-year-old tactician has signed a two-and-a-half-year contract and is set to take charge of the Hammers immediately.
Potter, renowned for his innovative and progressive coaching style, brings a wealth of experience to West Ham.
His managerial career includes notable successes at Östersund, Swansea City, and Brighton & Hove Albion before his stint at Chelsea, which ended in April 2023.
In a statement released on Thursday, the club expressed confidence in Potter’s ability to lead the team toward their long-term ambitions.
“West Ham United is delighted to welcome Graham Potter as the club’s new head coach. The Board unanimously selected him as the ideal candidate to move the club forward, given his experience and tactical acumen,” the statement read.
Potter expressed his excitement about joining the East London club, emphasizing the alignment between his vision and the club’s ambitions.
He remarked, “I’m delighted to be here. It was important to wait for the right opportunity, and I feel a strong connection with West Ham United. This club has the potential to achieve consistent success, and I am eager to build on its solid foundations.”
He praised the club’s passionate fanbase and its 2023 Europa Conference League triumph as evidence of its potential.
Potter vowed to develop a team and a club that supporters could be proud of, promising hard work and high energy to achieve both short-term and long-term goals.
Potter’s coaching career began humbly, working with university students before taking the reins at Östersund in Sweden. He led the club to three promotions, a Swedish Cup victory, and a remarkable UEFA Europa League run.
Subsequent success at Swansea and Brighton solidified his reputation as one of England’s brightest coaching minds.
The Solihull-born coach will be joined by his trusted team, including assistant Bruno, first-team coaches Billy Reid and Narcís Pèlach, and other backroom staff. His first match in charge will be against Aston Villa in the FA Cup third round.
Potter’s appointment follows the sacking of Julen Lopetegui, who managed only six wins in 20 league matches, leaving West Ham 14th in the Premier League table.
The club hopes Potter’s expertise will lift them out of their current struggles and guide them toward a stronger future.
