Westham United announce Graham Potter as new head coach

Graham Potter is the new head coach of Westham United following the exit of Julen Lopetegui from the London club.

Westham United has been in talks with the former Chelsea and Brighton coach for the past few days in a bid to turn the fortunes of the club around.

The Hammers announced the appointment of Potter on Thursday morning via a statement on its official website as well as on its various social media pages.

Potter joins the club on a two-and-a-half-year deal.

“West Ham United is delighted to welcome Graham Potter as the Club’s new Head Coach.”

“The 49-year-old joins the Irons on a two-and-a-half year contract and will take charge of his new team for the first time when the Irons travel to Aston Villa in the FA Cup third round on Friday evening.”

“A highly-respected and sought-after coach, Potter has been awaiting the right opportunity after leaving his last role at Chelsea in April 2023, and was the Board’s unanimous choice to take the Club forward in line with its objectives and ambitions.”

“Potter, whose progressive style and flexible tactical approach previously impressed at Swedish club Östersund, Swansea City and Brighton & Hove Albion, has a passion to return to Premier League management and is relishing the opportunity to work with West Ham United’s talented squad of international players.”

The 49-year-old says he is delighted to join having waited for the opportunity to take charge of a club meant for him.

He also added that he and the management of the club share the same ideas of high energy and hard work which will form a good foundation for successful spell under his reign.

“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.”

Graham Potter will be joined at the Hammers by Bruno (Assistant Coach), Billy Reid (First-Team Coach) and Narcís Pèlach (First-Team Coach) while Goalkeeper Coach Xavi Valero will stay on in his role.

His first assignment will be a FA Cup third round match away at Aston Villa on Friday evening.