Graham Potter has been confirmed as West Ham's new head coach.
The 49-year-old takes over from Julen Lopetegui, who was sacked on Wednesday afternoon after winning just six of his 20 Premier League matches, leaving the club 14th in the Premier League.
Potter, who attracted interest from Everton as pressure mounted on their boss Sean Dyche, had been out of management since leaving Chelsea in April 2023, having previously managed Brighton, Swansea and Swedish side Ostersunds.
Lopetegui attended West Ham training on Tuesday and Wednesday ahead of Friday's FA Cup tie against Aston Villa. Sources close to Lopetegui understand that he was surprised and frustrated by the situation surrounding his future.
West Ham also held interviews with Paulo Fonseca, who left AC Milan last month, and Christophe Galtier, who currently manages Qatar's Al Duhail but opted for Potter after further positive talks on Tuesday.
The new Hammers boss said: “I'm really happy to be here. It was important to me that I waited until a job came along that I thought was good for me and was also a good fit for the club I belong to That's the feeling I have at West Ham.
“My conversations with the chairman and the board have been very positive and constructive. We share the same values of hard work and high energy to lay the solid foundation that can deliver success, and we are on the same page when it comes to what is needed in the short term and how we want to move the club forward in the medium to long term.”
Potter will be joined at the London Stadium by assistant coach Bruno, first-team coaches Billy Reid and Narcis Pelach. Goalkeeping coach Xavi Valero will continue to fulfill his role.
“West Ham is a huge club in the heart of London, with a huge fan base and fantastic support around the world,” said Potter. “I watched the scenes that followed their 2023 Conference League victory and it was clear that this is a club that has what it takes to be consistently successful, both on and off the pitch.
“The club has made a lot of good progress in recent years and has ensured that there are some very strong foundations on which we can build. You don't just win a European trophy; there has to be a good foundation in place for a football club.” That has to happen and the challenge now is to pick that up and build the next steps, to develop a team and a club that the supporters can be proud of.”
Potter will meet players ahead of the Villa match on Thursday
Potter will meet his new players on Thursday and attend his first West Ham training later today – his only training before his first match against Aston Villa in the FA Cup on Friday evening.
West Ham vice-chairman Karren Brady, along with owner David Sullivan, played a key role in Potter's appointment.
Baroness Brady is married to Paul Peschisolido, who was Potter's teammate and roommate at both Birmingham and West Brom during their playing days.
Negotiations and appointment were delayed somewhat as Potter and his representatives held further discussions with Everton, but those negotiations were mutually halted to allow Potter to continue with West Ham.
It was also key to the process of getting members of his trusted backroom staff in place, with Bruno and Billy Reid joining him. Both worked with Potter at Chelsea and Brighton.
How Potter returned to management
Potter was determined to take his time when selecting his next role as he felt it was a crucial decision after the crushing disappointment of his time at Stamford Bridge.
He had been out of work for more than 18 months since being sacked by Chelsea in April 2023, and was determined to take stock after the first major setback in an otherwise consistently ascendant managerial career.
Potter turned down the chance to take over at Ajax when he was first choice at the Amsterdam club and also distanced himself from opportunities at Leicester, Southampton and even AC Milan last spring because he felt they were not right for him .
Also financially, Potter had been in no rush to get a new job, as he was entitled to a lucrative severance package from Chelsea, which he could benefit from long after his dismissal.
Nevertheless, he had been ready to get back into football for several months and had been actively considering various options.
Carra: Potter to West Ham is good for both
Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher believes West Ham have finally got the manager they thought they were getting in Lopetegui by appointing Potter.
Speaking on Monday Night Football, he said: “The whole reason they moved on from David Moyes wasn't so much the results themselves. Last season wasn't great, they had better seasons. Overall, Moyes has done well.” West Ham, but I always felt that West Ham wanted their 'Roberto De Zerbi', a guy who comes in and plays brilliant football.
“But don't forget it started with Graham Potter who came off the back of Chris Hughton who was a different type of manager and they [Brighton] wanted to change things. West Ham wanted to change things and be a team that leads the way and takes the game to the opposition.
“We know Potter can do that. If he can harness some of West Ham's attacking talent, it will be a good move for both if the deal gets done.”
'West Ham season is over if they lose at Villa'
Sky Sports' Paul Merson:
“I love Graham. I thought Chelsea were too big for him when he went there, but I thought he did great at Brighton. The problem is if West Ham are beaten by Aston Villa this weekend.” [in the FA Cup]that's their season over. So for me it's a strange thing.
“West Ham are a big football club. Their expectations are quite high for where they want to go in the league. The stadium is full every week and they have a huge fan base.
“I see where he comes from. They are not really going to fight against relegation like Leicester does. With Leicester they are suddenly relegated and he is in the lead in the Championship. Everyone wants to play in the Premier League.”
“To be a manager in the Premier League and know you'll be playing in it next season makes a huge difference in my opinion.”
West Ham's next five games
January 10: Aston Villa (a), FA Cup, kick-off 8pm
January 14: Fulham (h), Premier League, kick-off 7.30pm
January 18: Crystal Palace (h), Premier League, kick-off 3pm
January 26: Aston Villa (a), Premier League, live on Sky Sports, kick-off 4.30pm
February 3: Chelsea (a), Premier League, live on Sky Sports, kick-off 8pm
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