Credit: Imago

West Ham Zone Speaking to Ian Darke

Tue 6 May 2025 12:55, UK

Graham Potter’s future at West Ham has been the subject of intense speculation after a dismal start at the London Stadium.

Expectations were high in East London when the former Chelsea manager took the reins from Julen Lopetegui, but he has failed to have the required impact so far.

The Englishman has won just three of his first 16 matches in the dugout, and questions have been posed as to whether he is the right man to take the Hammers forward.

The Irons sit 17th in the Premier League after the 1-1 draw with Tottenham (4 May), and there is little hope of a revival before the end of the season.

Potter sack claims dismissed as speculation continues

Speculation on Potter’s future at the London Stadium continues to thrive after a miserable run of results.

The ex-Brighton man has overseen a rotten spell of matches, with the Hammers constantly disappointing supporters at home and away recently.

However, famous commentator Ian Darke believes that it is far too early to sack the 49-year-old and has dismissed any talk of pressure surrounding his future.

Speaking exclusively to West Ham Zone, he said: “I don’t think he is under pressure at the moment because he has been brought in January.

“I don’t think people were expecting the earth, and he could probably argue that he is working with somebody else’s team.

“So, see what happens in the summer and whether he can really make a material change, but they are struggling; they haven’t kept a clean sheet in eight games at the moment.

“They were playing pretty well at Brighton, 2-1 up, then conceding in the 89th and 92nd minute, they are kind of finding a way to surrender points, which is never a good sign.”

Potter needs big summer at West Ham

Potter’s time at Rush Green has been hugely underwhelming so far, and the concerns are valid, but it is crucial that he is given time to shape his squad.

Right now, he is working with the remnants of a disastrous window led by Lopetegui and Tim Steidten last summer, and the ex-Chelsea man needs to be handed significant backing to make the necessary improvements.

The Hammers need a huge overhaul, and up to nine players could leave the London Stadium with Potter keen to recoup funds ahead of the task at hand.

If he gets the required investment and then fails to turn things around, it could give David Sullivan a tough decision to make in the early stages of the new campaign.