West Ham advance on agreeing new manager deal, four contenders revealed
Graham Potter is increasingly likely to be sacked by West Ham as the club’s board advance on securing a replacement.
West Ham fans called for Potter to be sacked in the hours following their 2-1 defeat to Crystal Palace at the London Stadium on 20 September.
Irons chiefs, led by David Sullivan and Karren Brady, have already met with, or sounded out, potential replacements for Potter.
Football Insider revealed on 19 September that Potter is four games away from being dismissed, with one of those games already having ended in defeat.
Now, the club is talking to potential successors with the contenders including Nuno Espirito Santo, Slaven Bilic, Gary O’Neil and Kieran McKenna.
As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, the board are likely to pull the trigger if they find themselves stranded in the relegation zone.
Graham Potter given new West Ham sack timeline
Five games into the Premier League season, the Hammers have dropped down to 18th place, and could end the day in 19th if Aston Villa beat Sunderland on 21 September.
Football Insider exclusively revealed on 28 August that West Ham are exploring alternatives to Potter as they pave the way for his potential dismissal.
Work has been ongoing behind the scenes despite their desire to stick with the current boss, amid a growing feeling that his position is becoming untenable.
Should the Hammers suffer defeats in their coming games and become stranded in the relegation zone, the board are expected to dismiss Potter.
Speaking on the Inside Track podcast, I explained: “His record at the London Stadium since arriving in January is underwhelming to say the least, with six wins in all competitions.
“He needs wins and needs results to ease the pressure on him as well.
“If he survives after the Palace game, you’ve got Everton away Arsenal away and then the international break and then a game with Brentford.
“The fixtures aren’t getting any easier in the next few games, with two real tough games at Everton and Arsenal before the break.
“There isn’t any desire from the West Ham board to sack Potter right now, they’re keeping their faith behind the former Brighton manager, but results will dictate where things go.
“If West Ham find themselves marooned in the relegation zone, then the club might have to make a decision.”
Replacements for Potter are already being sounded out behind the scenes, while fans have made their discontent clear as pressure continues to build from both sides.
West Ham board under pressure to sack Potter
Former Hammers scout Mick Brown told Football Insider on 18 September that West Ham could be forced to sack Potter as a result of the ongoing fan protests against the board.
Protests took place outside the London Stadium before the defeat to Crystal Palace, while there were an abundance of empty seats from the start.
Following that, West Ham fans are planning to boycott their clash with Brentford on 20 October, with the fixture set to be televised on Sky Sports.
Football Insider revealed on 16 September that West Ham are set to stick with Potter for the time being, but the pressure has made their position difficult.
While the board have been keen to stick by their man, there is a growing feeling at the London Stadium that a big decision is now imminent.
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