Premier League club West Ham United announced on Thursday that former Chelsea manager Graham Potter will become their new head coach, replacing Julen Lopetegui.
Potter will return to management for the first time after leaving Chelsea in April 2023 and will join the Hammers on a two-and-a-half-year contract. He will take over for the first time as coach of his new team, which will travel to Aston Villa on Friday evening to play in the third round of the FA Cup.
“Potter, whose progressive style and flexible tactical approach previously impressed at Swedish club Östersund, Swansea City and Brighton & Hove Albion, is passionate about returning to Premier League management and is delighted to have the opportunity to work with West Ham United’s talented squad of international players,” West Ham said in a statement.
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After the announcement, Potter said it was important for him to wait until the right job for him became available.
“West Ham United is a huge club in the heart of London, with a huge fan base and great support around the world. “I saw the scenes that followed our victory in the European Conference League in 2023 and it was clear that this was a club that had everything in place to succeed, both on and off the pitch,” he said.
Potter will be joined at the Hammers by Bruno (assistant coach), Billy Reid (first team coach) and Narcís Pèlach (first team coach).
West Ham currently sit 14th in the league, seven points clear of the relegation zone, after six wins in 20 league games.
