It’s been a horror show at West Ham United ever since David Moyes’ departure in May 2024. Julen Lopetegui was brought in to replace the Scotsman, but was dismissed in January of this year after a dismal first half of the season. Graham Potter was appointed in the same month. However, the Hammers’ results have gone from bad to worse. As a result, West Ham have approached multiple managers as they look to replace Potter.
The East London-based side currently sit in 18th place in the Premier League, after picking up three points from four games. Change in the dugout is a priority if the Hammers want to save their season.
West Ham Compile List Of Managerial Replacements For Graham Potter
According to Alex Crook and Ben Jacobs, West Ham are interested in a sensational return to the London Stadium dugout for Slaven Bilic, with Graham Potter under increasing pressure. Nuno Espirito Santo and Sean Dyche have also been internally discussed.
Coventry City manager Frank Lampard has also been approached by the Hammers, according to Football Insider. However, a move for the former Chelsea manager would require compensation, unlike Bilic, Santo and Dyche who are all currently out of jobs.
West Ham owner David Sullivan reportedly favours former boss Slaven Bilic. The Croatian was Hammers manager between 2015 and 2017, where he guided the club to the Europa League qualifying rounds.
Bilic’s lastest stint in England came in the Championship with newly-relegated Watford in 2022. With the club just four points outside of the play-offs, Bilic was sacked in March 2023. A year in Saudi Arabia followed with Al-Fateh, with the 57-year-old being without a job since August 2024.
Who Do West Ham Go For?
Graham Potter’s time at West Ham looks to be coming to an end sooner rather than later. The Englishman boasts just a 38.5% win rate in 8 months at the club. With relegation a real possibility under Potter, the board are moving quick to find suitable replacements.
Slaven Bilic would be a poor appointment by Sullivan, and one that would be made through nostalgia. It’s been nearly a decade since the Hammers finished in a Europa League spot under the Croatian, and Bilic has not been able to replicate that success since. Sullivan should be looking elsewhere if he has the Hammers’ best interests at heart.
Frank Lampard has shone at Coventry since taking the job last November. After play-off heartbreak at Sunderland in May, an unbeaten start to the season leaves Lampard’s men in sixth position after five games. However, the 47-year-old would require a fee if West Ham do go in for him. With a poor record in the Premier League with both Chelsea and Everton, Sullivan should also be looking elsewhere.
Sean Dyche would bring defensive stability to West Ham, after turning Everton in to the fourth best defence in the league during the 2023/2024 season. However, the Englishman would only be a short term option for the Hammers, with his no nonsense style of play not enough to challenge for the top 10.
Nuno Espirito Santo should be the next West Ham manager. The Portuguese was unfairly sacked by Nottingham Forest after guiding the club to the Europa League last season. West Ham are in a similar position to where Santo took over at Nottingham Forest, so the former Wolverhampton Wanderers boss knows how to rebuild a struggling side. Hammers fans will be hoping he can do the same with them, as they aim to get back to the success achieved under David Moyes.