West Ham United have confirmed the appoitnment of former Chelsea coach Graham Potter as their new manager following the sacking of Julen Lopetegui, Sportivationng.com reports.
The Englishman’s contract at the London club runs until 2027. He will be in charge for West Ham’s FA Cup third-round clash with Aston Villa on Friday.
Despite being linked with several jobs in recent times, Potter has not worked in management since being sacked as Chelsea manager in April 2023 having only been at the west London club for seven months.
He joined Chelsea from Brighton, where he enjoyed three successful years.
“I’m very excited, it’s a very proud day, to be head coach of this amazing club, big tradition, big history, big expectations, big challenge. I’m excited, it’s like Christmas for adults,” Potter told a news conference on Thursday.
“Not the best of sleeps last night because of the excitement. I’m looking forward to meeting the players, fans and getting going.
“My experience is if you can build a team that’s identifiable on the pitch, the supporters are proud of and enjoy watching.
“Everybody is aligned in terms of what we want to achieve and how to play football. If that alignment is there and there’s that connection between club and fans, then why put a ceiling on anything?”
When asked about his time away from management and why he felt West Ham was the right fit for him, Potter said: “When you’ve had lots of time to think there’s a feeling in you, a combination of lots of factors.
“The board’s ambition, their trust and belief in me, looking at the playing squad, the academy, the work that Mark Noble does behind the scenes there. The supporters are passionate, knowledgeable, loyal.
“When you add it all up it’s a massive club. It’s a family club and that appeals to me too, that sense of fighting together.”
West Ham are 14th the Premier League having won six of their opening 20 games this campaign.
Assistant coach Bruno, first-team coaches Billy Reid and Narcís Pèlach — who worked with Potter at Chelsea and Brighton — will join him at the club, while goalkeeper coach Xavi Valero will retain his role.
