Exclusive: West Ham make move to appoint new manager to replace Graham Potter
West Ham are exploring manager alternatives to Graham Potter as they pave the way to sack him, sources have told Football Insider.
The Premier League club are losing patience with Potter following a horrific start to the season that’s resulted in three defeats from three matches.
Sources say West Ham chiefs have been underwhelmed by the impact made by Potter since he replaced Julen Lopetegui in early January.
Intermediaries are believed to already be assessing the market for managers who could take over from the beleaguered Potter.
West Ham consider another mid-season sacking
There is a school of thought that co-owner David Sullivan and long-serving managing director Karren Brady are reluctant to dismiss managers during the season.
But both Lopetegui and Slaven Bilic were sacked mid-season and there is growing unease from the hierarchy at the players’ response to Potter’s methods.
West Ham have been comprehensively beaten in both their Premier League matches this season, and Jarrod Bowen argued with fans following Tuesday’s EFL Cup exit at the hands of Wolves.
Supporters are quickly losing faith as a result of the poor start to the campaign, and there is an expectation that the atmosphere around the East London club will turn toxic if the current issues are not addressed.
West Ham receive big boost in midfielder pursuit
Meanwhile, Middlesbrough have been informed by central midfielder Hayden Hackney that he wants to leave if a Premier League club comes in for him before the transfer window closes, sources have told Football Insider.
A number of Premier League clubs, including West Ham, are plotting last-minute moves for Hackney before next week’s deadline.
Middlesbrough are battling to keep hold of their prize asset and do not want to lose him so late on in the window.
Hackney has played every single minute of Boro’s Championship campaign so far, and is a big part of why his side have a 100% record in the division.
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