Graham Potter Appointed As New West Ham Manager

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West Ham have appointed former Brighton and Chelsea boss Graham Potter as their new manager.

The 49-year-old has agreed to a two-and-a-half-year contract with the London side, replacing Julen Lopetegui, who was sacked on Wednesday after six months in charge.

“We share the same values of hard work and high energy to create the solid foundations that can produce success.

“And we are on the same wavelength in terms of what is needed in the short term and then how we want to move the club forward in the medium to long term.”

It is Potter’s first managerial assignment since being ousted by Chelsea in April 2023.

“I am delighted to be here. 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,” Potter told the club’s website.

“That is the feeling I have with West Ham United. My conversations with the chairman and the board have been very positive and constructive.

Graham Potter’s managerial career

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Potter was brought to Chelsea following Todd Boehly’s takeover, but sacked after less than seven months in charge.

The Blues paid more than £21m in compensation to Brighton, where Potter had impressed after leading the latter to Premier League finishes of 15th, 16th and ninth in a three-year spell.

Potter also served as manager at Ostersunds FK and Swansea City, where he oversaw a record £323m outlay at Stamford Bridge in the 2023 January transfer window.  However, he failed to produce a positive result and he was removed following an 11th defeat in 31 games.

He also generated chatter as the potential England manager before Thomas Tuchel, his predecessor at Chelsea, was appointed as Gareth Southgate’s successor.

West Ham are currently 14th in the Premier League standings- seven points above the relegation zone – with just six league wins to their name this season.

Potter’s first assignment will be West Ham’s FA Cup third-round tie at Aston Villa on Friday, before they return to Premier League action at home against Fulham on Tuesday.

Also Read: Top 5 Football Managers With The Most FA Cup Titles

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