Graham Potter Sacked as West Ham United Manager After Disastrous Start

West Ham United's Turbulent Start and Managerial Fallout

Only five matches into the 2025/26 Premier League campaign, West Ham United confirmed that Graham Potter is no longer the club's head coach. The decision came after a 2-1 loss to Crystal Palace at the London Stadium – the third consecutive home defeat to a London rival – leaving the Hammers hovering just above the relegation zone.

Potter, who stepped in for Julen Lopetegui in January, had a mixed record during his eight‑month stint. Out of 25 games across all competitions, he managed six wins, suffered 14 defeats and saw the team exit the Carabao Cup early. While a 3‑0 victory at Nottingham Forest offered a brief glimpse of hope, it was quickly erased by a 5‑1 drubbing by Chelsea and a 3‑0 loss to Tottenham on home turf.

The club issued a terse statement: “Results and performances over the course of the second half of last season and the start of the 2025/26 season have not matched expectations, and the Board of Directors believe that a change is necessary in order to help improve the team's position in the Premier League as soon as possible.” The announcement also confirmed the departure of Potter’s entire coaching staff, including assistant Bruno Saltor, first‑team coaches Billy Reid and Narcis Pelach, lead goalkeeper coach Casper Ankergren, and goalkeeper coach Linus Kandolin.

Fans and pundits were stunned by the timing. The sacking came just 48 hours before a crucial clash with Everton, a match many hoped could halt the slide. Reports suggest Potter had been in positive talks with ownership only to be blindsided by the board’s decision, underscoring a reactive approach that prioritises short‑term survival over any long‑term rebuilding plan.

In a brief televised interview, Potter expressed disappointment but accepted responsibility, saying, “I am disappointed, although I admitted that results had not been good enough.” The former Chelsea assistant’s remarks hinted at an awareness that the club’s patience had run out.

With the managerial vacancy now open, speculation is already swirling. The Guardian’s Jacob Steinberg reports that Nuno Espírito Santo, recently dismissed by Nottingham Forest, is a leading candidate. Other names floated in the media include former West Ham boss Slaven Bilić and ex‑Wolves manager Gary O’Neil.

• Nuno Espírito Santo – Known for a high‑pressing style, recently out of a struggling Forest side.
• Slaven Bilić – A club legend who led the Hammers to a Europa League final in 2022.
• Gary O’Neil – Praised for maximizing limited resources at Wolverhampton Wanderers.

West Ham has confirmed that the search for a new head coach is already underway and that the board will “make no further comment at this time.” The club thanked Potter and his staff for their efforts and wished them success elsewhere.

The sacking adds another chapter to West Ham’s ongoing quest for stability. In just over a year, the Hammers have cycled through three head coaches, each departure accompanied by a dip in form. As the team prepares for the upcoming Everton derby, the pressure is on the interim staff to steady the ship while the board eyes a permanent replacement capable of steering the club clear of relegation danger.