West Ham United may not find a better David Moyes successor in Graham Potter after shock Chelsea sacking
West Ham United may not get a better opportunity to appoint David Moyes’ successor at the end of the season with Graham Potter now available after his sacking at Chelsea.
The Hammers have endured a rather disappointing Premier League campaign this season, currently embroiled in an unexpected relegation battle which has heaped pressure on Moyes’ position as boss.
The Times reported on 20 February that Moyes could be dismissed if West Ham lost to Nottingham Forest, a game they won, whilst the Guardian revealed that the Irons haven’t sacked him yet as there are no suitable replacements out there.
However, in a potentially worrying development revealed by club insider ExWHUemployee [30 March], the East Londoners “desperately wish” for Moyes to remain as manager until the end of season and potentially beyond, with the board constantly stating their desire to stick by him.
The reliable source reported that because there are no suitable replacements at present, the Hammers board wish to stick with the former Everton manager for the foreseeable, depending on their league position and potential success in Europe.
However, the board’s position may now change in the coming weeks after a major development to a reported managerial target.
Super-rich Chelsea confirmed on Sunday evening [2 April] that the club had parted company with the former Brighton & Hove Albion coach Potter after a string of bad results in the Premier League having only appointed him as Thomas Tuchel’s successor in September.
Claret & Hugh reported on 20 February that West Ham United “may be hoping” Potter becomes available if they are to replace Moyes.
While they appear stuck with Moyes for the time being, they could see Potter as a potentially viable candidate amid his torrid run at Stamford Bridge.
And as per C&H, the Irons “may be hoping” Brighton’s former coach “could soon become available”. And now he is available which should certainly force Sullivan’s hand as the club plan for next season.
Given Potter’s bad spell in West London, that may not deter potential suitors from attempting to appoint him for next season, and given the decline seen throughout the club on the pitch this season, it seems as if a managerial change is in the offing.
The Hammers fans certainly won’t mind either. And it’s quite staggering how the promising coach is being written off because of the difficulty he’s faced at Stamford Bridge.
Operating on a shoestring budget, Potter guided Brighton to a ninth-placed finish last season with his side scoring an, as well as two top-flight safety campaigns the previous two years.
Possessing a penchant for an attractive style and brand of football whilst also significantly improving the players at his disposal, Potter could be the ideal man to replace Moyes next season.
Providing they secure their place in the English top-flight, the Irons would still be able to attract big names and also some of the most promising footballers in the business given Potter’s progressive style. West Ham may just provide him with the ideal platform to rejuvenate a promising managerial career.
This could be one to watch in the coming months.