‘Behind the scenes’ issues emerge at West Ham as Graham Potter makes point to David Sullivan
Graham Potter is hopeful of proving a point before he is sacked at West Ham.
Potter is edging closer to the sack at West Ham after what has been a terrible start to the campaign at the London Stadium under the Englishman.
This has seen Jeff Stelling suggest that it is time up for Potter with performances and results seemingly far away from improving in E20.
After West Ham lost 2-1 against Crystal Palace, there is a general feeling that a sack decision could be in the pipeline for the ex-Chelsea head coach.
Before Potter can be moved on, it appears that he is looking to make a demonstration to David Sullivan with his squad decisions.
This story includes exclusive comment from former manager Martin Allen.
Graham Potter snubs star signings to prove point
Although Potter is a point of annoyance for Hammers fans, there is no doubt that Sullivan has caused rage among the West Ham fan base.
This has been thanks in part to the negative transfer business under his and Tim Steidten’s watch over recent seasons.
Arguably, two of the most frustrating signings in recent memory saw Jean-Clair Todibo and Niclas Fullkrug come in for big money.
This duo have rarely featured so far this campaign, something which ex-Irons midfielder Allen believes is something done by Potter to prove a point in East London.
Speaking exclusively to West Ham Zone, Allen said: “Against Tottenham, there were two subs who West Ham paid £65m for.
“Todibo is a centre-back who can’t get on the pitch, and Fullkrug. They paid over £65m for those two, and clearly Potter doesn’t think they’re any good because he’s dropped them.
“There’s a real dilemma behind the scenes.
“The director of football who signed them has been sacked, because they are nowhere near good enough, that’s obvious.
“Graham Potter is showing that to everyone at West Ham because otherwise he would put them on.
“The message is absolutely clear.“
Jean-Clair Todibo and Niclas Fullkrug have been poor for West Ham
There is no doubt that this duo of signings looked positive at the time, especially after the Hammers beat Manchester United to the signing of Todibo.
The Frenchman was seen as one of the more sought-after centre-backs in the Premier League at that point, but it hasn’t quite worked out.
It is the same for Fullkrug, who came in as a Champions League finalist and Germany regular, but has only scored three goals in claret and blue.
| Stat | Niclas Fullkrug |
| Appearances | 25 |
| Goals | 3 |
| Assists | 2 |
This duo represent what has gone wrong at the London Stadium, and it can only be seen as a negative element if Potter is putting his foot down and opting not to use them.
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