(Credit: Imago)
(Credit: Imago)
Match

Graham Potter break clause info revealed as David Sullivan starts to point finger

Jack Dawson
Jack Dawson

Correspondent AUTHORITY Football journalist with experience at the Edinburgh Evening News and GRV Media; Masters graduate from the University of Derby. FOCUS Scottish Premiership coverage with specialist knowledge of Rangers, Celtic, Hearts, Aberdeen, and Motherwell. THE INSIGHT Jack utilises a network of club and industry contacts across the Scottish Premiership to deliver verified, high-speed reporting. He provides the tactical and transfer insight behind the headlines to ensure fans get the full story as it happens.

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Graham Potter is under enormous pressure at West Ham after their awful start to the 2025/26 campaign.

On Tuesday, West Ham suffered a 3-2 defeat against Wolves in the Carabao Cup, making it the third consecutive loss of the season. 

With two heavy defeats in the Premier League coming prior to this result, sack talk is now building up around Potter at the London Stadium.

However, how long the Englishman can survive at West Ham after his awful start remains up for debate.

West Ham manager Graham Potter anxiously watches on from the dugout
West Ham are currently bottom of the Premier League under Graham Potter (Credit: Imago)

Graham Potter does not have a break clause in West Ham contract

Potter has never truly found success at West Ham since he joined the East London club in January. 

To date, the manager has only won five matches out of a possible 22, with 12 of these ending in defeat.

However, according to the Daily Mail on 27 August, Potter’s job is currently safe despite the “diabolical” start they have had. 

  • Potter was brought in to take over Julen Lopetegui
  • The manager currently has the worst win rate of any West Ham manager in Premier League history
  • Potter is under heavy pressure at West Ham given recent results

This is despite David Sullivan laying the blame for West Ham’s recent struggles at the door of those in the dugout for failing to get the most out of the players at their disposal.

On top of this, the report also states that his two-and-a-half-year deal does not include a break clause.

Sullivan also does not like sacking managers mid-season, and certainly not if the club are sailing as close to the PSR wind.

West Ham co-chairman David Sullivan touching his glasses
David Sullivan appoinited Graham Potter in January (Credit: Imago)

Graham Potter’s position is untenable 

The longer the Hammers wait to sack Potter, the more likely they are to be relegated.

The Englishman has done nothing to show that he is a good fit at the London Stadium in any of the matches he has overseen.

Now, the Hammers are being beaten with ease against opponents whom they should be overcoming on paper.

Graham Potter's record at West Ham
Matches 22
Wins 5
Draws 5
Losses 12
Win percentage 22.73%
Potter has struggled at West Ham since his appointment

While Sullivan may not like sacking managers, Potter’s position is clearly untenable at West Ham, and it is inevitable that he will be forced to depart at some point this season. 

The only question that remains is when they will decide to pull the trigger.

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David Sullivan
Graham Potter
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