West Ham Explores Options After Graham Potter's Disappointing Start

Graham Potter

West Ham United directors are discussing potential replacements for manager Graham Potter following a dismal start to the season, with Gary O'Neil and Slaven Bilic being considered.

Potter's tenure has been marked by struggles, winning only six of his 25 matches in charge...

West Ham United's leadership is indeed discussing potential replacements for Graham Potter, following a dismal start to the season. The pressure on Potter intensified after the team's latest defeat at home to Crystal Palace, which saw thousands of fans staging a protest march against the board before kickoff.

Potential Replacements:

Top contenders include:

Slaven Bilic: David Sullivan's preferred candidate to succeed Potter, Bilic has a win percentage of 37% and a points per game average of 1.33 during his tenure as West Ham manager from 2015 to 2017.

Nuno Espirito Santo: West Ham has reportedly spoken to Nuno about taking the reins, with the Portuguese manager averaging 1.77 points per game last season while leading Nottingham Forest to seventh place in the Premier League.

Gary O'Neil: A former West Ham midfielder and Wolves manager, O'Neil is highly respected in Premier League circles for his ability to manage through difficulties. He's also credited with developing players and would come without a compensation fee after being sacked by Wolves in December 2024.

It's worth noting that Frank Lampard is unlikely to be considered for the role due to his unpopularity among West Ham fans following his departure from the club as a player. The West Ham board is exploring options to find a suitable replacement, with a decision expected soon.

Crystal Palace secured a 2-1 win over West Ham United at London Stadium on Saturday, amidst growing unrest among the club's supporters. Thousands of fans staged a protest march against the board before kickoff, reflecting their deep dissatisfaction with the team's performance. This unrest extends to the management, with Graham Potter's position under scrutiny.

Graham Potter following today’s defeat to Crystal Palace. 🗣️

— West Ham United (@WestHam) September 20, 2025

Internal discussions are underway regarding Potter's future, with potential replacements being considered. 

Potter's tenure has been marked by struggles, winning only six of his 25 matches in charge. The team's poor start to the season, including four losses in their opening five games, has sparked alarm among the club's hierarchy. A change in leadership could be imminent if results don't improve quickly.