West Ham United has appointed Graham Potter as their new manager following Julen Lopetegui’s departure earlier this week.
The 49-year-old former Brighton and Chelsea boss has signed a two-and-a-half-year contract. Potter takes charge with the Hammers currently 14th in the Premier League, seven points above the relegation zone, after securing just six league wins this season.
“I’m delighted to be here. It was important for me to wait for the right opportunity, and I feel that West Ham is the right fit,” Potter said. “My conversations with the chairman and board have been very positive, and we share the same values of hard work and high energy.”
Potter also expressed alignment with the club’s short-term needs and long-term vision, emphasizing a focus on both immediate improvement and future success.
This appointment marks Potter’s return to management after being dismissed from Chelsea in April 2023. Prior to that, he led Brighton to a ninth-place finish in the Premier League in 2022, earning praise for his work at the club.
Potter’s first challenge will be West Ham’s FA Cup third-round match against Aston Villa on Friday, followed by a Premier League game against Fulham on Tuesday.
