Exclusive: West Ham forced to change Graham Potter sack plans due to legal issues
Graham Potter will get a stay of execution at West Ham United until after the international break, sources have told Football Insider.
It was originally thought that Potter’s future at West Ham would be dictated by results in their next two games, against Everton and Arsenal.
However, sources say that the 50-year-old will now not be dismissed before the international break, due to legal issues surrounding the Hammers’ first-choice replacement option Nuno Espirito Santo.
Nuno is seen as the current favourite to take Potter’s place at the London Stadium, with Gary O’Neil second choice.
Former West Ham boss Slaven Bilic would be David Sullivan’s choice, and the pair are in regular contact, but the Croatian would only be given the job on a short-term basis.
Nuno Espirito Santo has legal issues after Nottingham Forest sack
Nuno met with the West Ham hierarchy following their 2-1 defeat to Crystal Palace on Saturday (20 September) to discuss a job offer.
However, the situation has hit a stumbling block which could delay his potential appointment, and hand Potter a stay of execution.
Nottingham Forest sacked Nuno earlier this month, and the Portuguese manager still has some legal issues to sort out regarding his City Ground exit before he can be given the West Ham job.
It is believed that the delay will last until after the international break, which would see Potter’s sacking pushed back until the middle of next month.
Frank Lampard ruled out of running for West Ham job
Meanwhile, West Ham are unlikely to accelerate their pursuit of Coventry City manager Frank Lampard if Potter is sacked, sources have told Football Insider.
Football Insider exclusively revealed on 5 September that West Ham have sounded out Lampard as an option to replace their current boss.
However, the Hammers are unlikely to step up their interest in their former midfielder, given the fans’ likely reaction.
For more West Ham and exclusive news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.