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| West Ham Sack Graham Potter |
West Ham sack Graham Potter after five matches; Nuno Espírito Santo lined up as replacement
At a glance
- Graham Potter dismissed after a poor start: three points from five league matches; Hammers sit 19th.
- Heavy defeats to Chelsea (5–1), Tottenham (3–0) and Sunderland (3–0) set the tone; a 2–1 home loss to Crystal Palace proved decisive.
- Nuno Espírito Santo, recently departed from Nottingham Forest, is being lined up to take over, pending formalities.
- Fan unrest intensified over summer sales, notably Mohammed Kudus moving to Spurs for around £55m.
- Next up: West Ham are due to face Everton away this weekend.
What happened and why now?
West Ham United have sacked head coach Graham Potter just five games into the 2025/26 Premier League season. The club has taken action with the team languishing in 19th on three points, after a run that featured heavy defeats and a damaging 2–1 home loss to Crystal Palace.
Results and performances since spring were cited as contributing factors. Potter, appointed in January 2025 and tasked with steadying the side after Julen Lopetegui’s exit, managed only five league wins in 20 matches last season as West Ham finished 14th, and momentum never truly arrived.
Nuno Espírito Santo lined up to replace Potter
West Ham are moving to appoint Nuno Espírito Santo, who left Nottingham Forest earlier this month following a breakdown in relations with ownership. While legal and contractual steps need completing, Nuno is the leading candidate to take charge at the London Stadium.
Nuno’s availability stems from Forest parting company with him on 9 September 2025, despite a superb 2024/25 campaign that delivered European qualification. That departure created a swift opportunity for West Ham as they looked for an experienced Premier League operator.
The numbers behind the decision
West Ham’s tally to start 2025/26, leaving them 19th.
Most in the division after five games, including heavy losses to Chelsea, Spurs and Sunderland.
Potter’s league record in 2024/25 as West Ham finished 14th.
Squad churn and supporter unrest
Discontent among supporters intensified over the summer, with protests aimed at the board and frustration over transfer business. The sale of Mohammed Kudus to Tottenham for a reported £55m was particularly contentious, even as West Ham reinvested elsewhere.
Alongside Potter’s exit, members of his backroom team are also departing, and further changes on the recruitment side are anticipated—an attempt to give the next head coach a clean runway.
Immediate fixtures: a tricky trip to Everton
There’s little time for reflection. West Ham are scheduled to play Everton away this weekend at the Toffees’ new Hill Dickinson Stadium—a daunting setting for any caretaker or incoming coach to make a first impression.
How we got here: Potter’s brief West Ham tenure
Potter arrived on 9 January 2025, replacing Julen Lopetegui. He spoke of embracing a “big challenge” and was backed to reshape a talented but inconsistent squad. The bounce never lasted long enough, and this autumn’s results forced the club’s hand.
What Nuno would bring, if appointed
- Premier League nous: Previous stints with Wolves, Spurs and Forest, including steering Forest to Europe in 2024/25.
- Compact defensive structure: Historically favours organised, hard‑to‑break shapes with quick transitions—likely welcome for a side leaking goals. (Analysis)
- Clear roles in attack: Wide forwards and mobile No.9s typically central to his counter‑attacking patterns. (Analysis)
FAQs
Why did West Ham sack Graham Potter?
Results and performances across late 2024/25 and the first five games of 2025/26 fell below expectations; West Ham had three points and the league’s worst defensive record at this stage.
Is Nuno Espírito Santo confirmed?
Not yet. Multiple reputable outlets report he is the preferred choice and West Ham are moving to appoint him, but formal confirmation is pending.
What’s West Ham’s next match?
Everton away this weekend at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Did summer sales play a part?
Supporter anger over the sale of Mohammed Kudus to Tottenham (around £55m) formed part of the wider unrest, alongside poor early‑season results.