‘Everton and West Ham in head-to-head scramble to appoint Graham Potter’
Everton and West Ham look to be in a head-to-head race to hire Graham Potter as their new manager after updates on Sean Dyche and Julen Lopetegui.
Potter has been out of work since being sacked by Chelsea in 2023, however he continues to be in demand and ready to return after a lengthy absence, as revealed by Football Insider.
The English manager’s started his coaching career in Sweden before joining Swansea in the Championship, his attractive and winning football saw him join Brighton and then Chelsea.
Both Everton and West Ham fans have been critical of their teams results and the less than desirable football that is being played on the pitch.
Potter might be an upgrade for both clubs, but he is notorious for being a manager who likes to build a long-term project and with both teams hovering above the relegation zone, a
Julen Lopetegui sacked by West Ham after poor run of form
Tim Steidten, West Ham’s Sporting Director, had already distanced himself from Lopetegui and the Hammer’s training ground for the January transfer window, and a new report from talkSPORT claims West Ham have finally decided to part ways with the Spanish Manager.
It was reported previously (Daily Mail) that Lopetegui and Jean-Clair Todibo had been involved in a bust-up of sorts after a loss to Arsenal in December.
The former Real Madrid and Spain boss had struggled to fill the role which David Moyes held before him, and he leaves having been trounced 4-1 against Manchester City (January 4).
Potter would likely be the favoured name by fans, attractive football was the lone shortcoming of Moyes’ time in charge and the former Brighton and Chelsea manager would likely create an exciting team built to attack.
Brighton consistently challenged the status quo of the Premier League in spite of limited resources and the Irons see themselves as a team that has everything necessary to be back in European competitions, except for the right manager.
Sean Dyche could soon be replaced as Everton boss
According to a report from Sky Sports News, Everton’s new ownership, the Friedkin Group, are also reviewing Sean Dyche’s position as manager, with Alan Myers tipping Potter as a potential front runner for the Americans.
This comes in the wake of some particularly poor results for the Toffees that has seen them win only one game in 11, following a 1-0 loss at Bournemouth.
Potter would make a lot of sense as a new manager as Everton look to build a new era for the club, they are set to move in to their new stadium for the 2025/26 season and a clean slate with a young, exciting manager would be an attractive proposition for the fans.
Dyche was also appointed by the previous owners in what seemed to be a more temporary move to secure the clubs’ future in the Premier League and the new owners will likely want their own manager at the helm.
The Friedkin Group have shown a ruthlessness when it comes to making a decision on their managers, Ivan Juric was sacked less than two months into his time at Roma (Sky Sports), who are also owned by the American ownership group.
The Irons look to have a definite head start on Potter given their previous contact and the fact they look to have decided to pull the trigger on the incumbent.
At Goodison the Friedkins are only just through the doors officially but don’t appear to be messing around if Dyche’s latest result, and frustrating post-match comments, have sparked them into action, but they will need to work hard to catch up.
In other news, an Everton loanee has breached his contract with the club.
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