Ex-West Ham star ‘in the mix’ to replace flailing Graham Potter, it’s not Frank Lampard
Graham Potter could be ousted from his position at West Ham as a former Hammer could make a surprise late push to become the new manager.
Prior to the 3-0 humbling by Tottenham, Football Insider exclusively revealed on 5 September that West Ham have sounded out Frank Lampard to replace Potter as manager, while Ipswich Town boss Kieran McKenna was spotted in the West Ham boardroom before Saturday’s match.
Their doubts over the ex-Chelsea boss’ shambolic tenure continue as the West Ham board held a serious conversation with Potter over his future at the club.
Former Aston Villa forward Darren Bent has proposed that ex-Wolves manager Gary O’Neil could make a return to his previous club as uncertainty continues for the Irons boss.
Gary O’Neil teed up as another possible candidate for West Ham job
Speaking on talkSPORT (15 September), the ex-Sunderland frontman highlighted some potential managerial targets to takeover in east London.
During the conversation, Bent had tipped Nuno Espirito Santo to replace Potter at West Ham after being sacked by Nottingham Forest.
Yet, the Englishman also hinted at the availability of O’Neil who has been without a job since he was fired by the Wanderers at the beginning of the 2024-25 campaign.
Bent said: “We’re fans of Gary O’Neil. Where’s he gone? Where’s he going to go?
“Yeah, I mean, he could be in the mix there. He played for West Ham, I think he ticks it [the box].”
Gary O’Neil disrespected and could be a solid Graham Potter replacement at West Ham
Hammers fans are growing tired of underperforming and useless managers who cannot get the team to click.
However, perhaps they are overlooking a critical factor in appointing a coach who knows the club through and through such as O’Neil.
The 42-year-old played in east London between 2011-2013 and became familiar with what it means to play for the Irons.
| Gary O’Neil managerial record at Bournemouth | |
| Games managed | 37 |
| Wins | 11 |
| Draws | 6 |
| Defeats | 20 |
Moreover, during his spell at Bournemouth he managed to turn around the club’s poor misfortunes after Scott Parker parted ways with the Cherries in the 2022-23 season.
O’Neil managed to steer the south coast side away from relegation to a respectable 15th which was far better than the state in which the current Burnley boss left the club.
Therefore, perhaps West Ham should take a punt on the former Wolves man to revitalise the club and stabilise things just as he did with Bournemouth.