Graham Potter details West Ham talks and explains reason for 20-month football absence
Former Chelsea and Brighton boss Graham Potter has been appointed as the new manager of West Ham following the sacking of Julen Lopetegui, who'd only been in the job six months
by Nathan Ridley · The MirrorA 'delighted' Graham Potter has explained why West Ham were the right club to end his near two-year absence from football.
Potter, 49, hasn't been in the dugout since he was sacked by Chelsea in April 2023, ending seven tumultuous months at Stamford Bridge. Once considered England's best up-and-coming coach, having turned Brighton from relegation battlers into European contenders, his disastrous spell under Chelsea's new ownership saw his stock take a major hit.
During his time out of management, ex-Swansea and Ostersunds boss Potter reportedly held talks with several clubs including Leicester, Wolves and Dutch giants Ajax. But it's West Ham who've taken his fancy, signing a two-and-a-half-year contract to replace Julen Lopetegui, who was sacked by the club on Tuesday following days of intense speculation.
"I am delighted to be here," Potter said. "It was important to me that I waited until a job came along that I felt was right for me, and equally that I was the right fit for the Club I am joining. That is the feeling I have with West Ham United.
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"My conversations with the Chairman and the Board have been very positive and constructive, we share the same values of hard work and high energy to create the solid foundations that can produce success, and we are on the same wavelength in terms of what is needed in the short-term and then how we want to move the Club forward in the medium to long-term."
The 49-year-old added at his first press conference on Thursday morning: "It's been 20 months, a good break. I've had conversations with different directors, owners, but I think it was important I chose the right option at the right time. When I spoke to this club it felt right. I think it's a good fit."
"My focus is on meeting the players and preparing for a game in third round of the FA Cup against [Aston] Villa. My experience is if you can build a team that's identifiable on the pitch, the supporters are proud of and enjoy watching.
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"Everybody is aligned in terms of what we want to achieve and how to play football. If that alignment is there and there's that connection between club and fans, then why put a ceiling on anything?"
Potter's backroom staff will include assistant coach Bruno Saltor, and first-team coaches Billy Reid and Narcis Palach. West Ham have also confirmed that goalkeeper coach Xavi Valero will continue his role, having been at the club since 2018.
After facing Villa, the Irons will play Fulham and Crystal Palace in the Premier League next week, with both fixtures at home.
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