Graham Potter reveals why he accepted West Ham job in first words as new manager

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Evening Standard

·9. Januar 2025

Graham Potter reveals why he accepted West Ham job in first words as new manager

Former Brighton boss is back in management for the first time since being sacked by Chelsea

Graham Potter has spoken of his excitement after being appointed as the new West Ham manager, telling supporters that he plans to develop a team they can be proud of.

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Potter takes over from Julen Lopetegui, who was sacked on Wednesday after only six months following a poor start to the season with the club languishing in 14th place in the Premier League table, seven points above the relegation zone.

This marks Potter's first return to management after a tough spell at London rivals Chelsea that ended with his dismissal after less than seven months in charge back in April 2023 and he's ready for the challenge of reversing the Hammers’ fortunes.

In a first interview with the club, the former Swansea and Brighton boss - who has penned a two-and-a-half year contract at the London Stadium - said: “I am delighted to be here. It was important to me that I waited until a job came along that I felt was right for me, and equally that I was the right fit for the Club I am joining. That is the feeling I have with West Ham United.

“My conversations with the Chairman and the Board have been very positive and constructive, we share the same values of hard work and high energy to create the solid foundations that can produce success, and we are on the same wavelength in terms of what is needed in the short-term and then how we want to move the Club forward in the medium to long-term.

“West Ham United is a huge Club, at the heart of London, with a tremendous fanbase and great support all around the world.

“I saw the scenes that followed their Europa Conference League victory in 2023 and it was clear that this is a Club with everything in place to become consistently successful, both on and off the pitch.

“The Club have made a lot of good progress in recent years and ensured there are some very strong foundations in place to build on. You don’t win a European trophy by fluke – there has to be a good bedrock at a football club for that to happen, and the challenge now is to take that on and build the next steps, to develop a team and a Club that the supporters can be proud of.”

Potter’s first game in charge will be the Hammers’ FA Cup third round tie away at Aston Villa on Friday night, which is followed by the visit of London rivals Fulham in the Premier League next Tuesday evening.