Frank Lampard’s chances of being next West Ham manager revealed after he’s sounded out
West Ham have made a decision about hiring Coventry City manager Frank Lampard as they assess potential alternatives to Graham Potter.
Football Insider exclusively revealed on 5 September that West Ham have sounded out Lampard as an option to replace Potter.
Intermediaries representing the London club are believed to have put out feelers to the Coventry City boss before their shock 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest.
However, as I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, the Hammers are unlikely to step up their interest in Lampard given the fans’ likely reaction.
Instead, they are planning to assess other options, with the likes of Kieran McKenna and Nuno Espirito Santo on their list of potential targets.
West Ham make decision about hiring Frank Lampard
Lampard is not exactly a fans’ favourite at the London Stadium, and with the board facing ongoing protests from supporters, they are keen not to cause further issues.
West Ham fans are planning to boycott their clash with Brentford on 20 October, with protests also planned ahead of the Crystal Palace game on 20 September.
Hiring Lampard would be a controversial decision amongst the fans, and the board have been deterred from approaching him, with that move now considered unlikely.
Speaking on the Inside Track podcast, I explained: “West Ham are doing their homework on potential managerial alternatives to Potter.
“There’s been links with Lampard which seems highly unlikely due to the feeling between the West Ham fans and Lampard after his departure from West Ham as a player.
“I think if West Ham do decide to pull the trigger on Potter and look for a change, they’ll need to find somebody who can galvanise the fan base right now because that’s another big issue.
“Potter’s not been able to do that, you’ve got protests going on and there’s real unrest at West Ham whether it be the team on the bitch or the board.
“So it’s going to be a big job for Potter if he is going to turn things around, but for now he does still have the backing of the board.”
West Ham could be placed in a difficult position if their form continues to stutter, but are keen to have plans in place for every eventuality.
West Ham put plans in place to identify Potter replacement
Football Insider exclusively revealed on 28 August that West Ham are exploring alternatives to Potter as they pave the way for his potential dismissal.
A number of options are being assessed by the club’s chief decision-makers as they aim to pave the way for the boss’ departure in the coming weeks.
Football Insider exclusively revealed that Ipswich Town boss McKenna was spotted in the West Ham boardroom during their defeat to Spurs after being invited by the club, fuelling speculation that he is in pole position to replace Potter.
Former Hammers scout Mick Brown told Football Insider on 15 September that West Ham are asking “serious questions” about Potter following the 3-0 defeat to Spurs.
While he retains the backing of the board, contingency plans are already being put in place amid concerns it may be the beginning of the end for his reign as manager.
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