West Ham United have announced the appointment of Graham Potter as their new head coach.
“West Ham United is delighted to welcome Graham Potter as the Club’s new Head Coach,” the London club said in a statement on Thursday.
“The 49-year-old joins the Hammers 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.”
West Ham sacked Julen Lopetegui on Wednesday after he managed just six Premier League wins from 20 games this season to leave West Ham in 14th, having been appointed to succeed David Moyes last May.
Potter returns to management 20 months since he was sacked by Chelsea just seven months and 31 matches into a five-year contract.
