Graham Potter is appointed West Ham’s new manager on two-and-a-half year deal… as the Hammers land their No 1 target after sacking Julen Lopetegui

West Ham United have announced Graham Potter as their new manager, with the England boss signing a two-and-a-half-year contract at the London Stadium.

The former Brighton and Chelsea boss takes over from Julen Lopetegui, who was sacked by the Hammers on Wednesday after taking charge of a disappointing 20 Premier League games.

The Spaniard, who will receive just over £3million in compensation from the Hammers due to a clause in his contract, was relieved of his duties after poor form which culminated in a 4-1 defeat to Manchester City last Saturday.

The disappointing defeat at the Etihad followed West Ham’s 5-0 defeat to league leaders Liverpool six days earlier, with both results leaving the Hammers in 14th place in the Premier League.

Potter was in discussions with Irons owner David Sullivan prior to Lopetegui’s official dismissal.

Potter told the club website: ‘I’m happy to be here. For me it was important that I waited until a job came along that I thought would be a good fit for me, and that would also be a good fit for the club I am joining. That’s the feeling I have at West Ham United.

Graham Potter has been appointed the new manager of West Ham United, the club confirmed today

He replaces Julen Lopetegui, who was sacked by West Ham after poor form

He replaces Julen Lopetegui, who was sacked by West Ham after poor form

The Hammers have won just six of their Premier League matches this season

The Hammers have won just six of their Premier League matches this season

‘My discussions with the Chairman and the Board of Directors have been very positive and constructive, we share the same values ​​of hard work and high energy to create the solid foundation that can deliver success, and we are on the same page when it comes to what needs in the short term and then how we want to move the Club forward in the medium to long term.

‘West Ham United is a huge club, in the heart of London, with a huge fan base and great support around the world. I watched the scenes that followed their 2023 Europa Conference League win and it was clear that this is a Club that has what it takes to be consistently successful, both on and off the pitch.

‘The Club has made a lot of good progress in recent years and has ensured that there are some very strong foundations in place to build on. You don’t just win a European trophy; For this there must be a good foundation at a football club, and the challenge now is to pick that up and build the next steps, to develop a team and a club that the supporters can be proud of.’

Potter, who enjoyed high praise during a prolific spell at Brighton, endured a difficult six months in charge of Chelsea, losing 11 of his 31 games at Stamford Bridge.

Despite not returning to management since being sacked by Chelsea in April 2023, Potter was West Ham’s top target to replace Lopetegui, with the likes of Christophe Galtier, Paulo Fonseca, Edin Terzic and Michael Carrick on the shortlist .

Following a raid by new England manager Thomas Tuchel, which saw Chelsea lose two staff members, Henrique Hilario and James Melbourne, earlier this season, the Blues could now face further approaches from another former boss.

Ben Roberts and Kyle Macaulay joined Potter when he was appointed at Stamford Bridge as goalkeeping coach and recruitment analyst respectively in September 2022, and both remain on the club’s staff.

As he puts together his backroom at West Ham, Potter can get back to work with his old colleagues, especially Macaulay. The Hammers did not name their goalkeeping coach Xavi Valero among those who left Lopetegui on Wednesday morning.

Despite leading the club to European glory and three top-10 Premier League finishes, the Hammers parted ways with David Moyes last summer due to a desire to improve playing style.

Lopetegui was unable to carry out that instruction and frustrated supporters were subjected to directionless tactics with no apparent motive.

The pressure on Lopetegui had been building for some time, starting with a 3-1 defeat to Leicester in early December, leading to the angry away section aiming for ‘you’ll be sacked tomorrow morning’ in the Spaniard’s style.

Lopetegui was unable to improve Hammers' playing style and win games at the same time

Lopetegui was unable to improve Hammers’ playing style and win games at the same time

Potter's return to the dugout comes almost two years after the manager was sacked by Chelsea

Potter’s return to the dugout comes almost two years after the manager was sacked by Chelsea

The former Chelsea boss was pictured with West Ham technical director Tim Steidten

The former Chelsea boss was pictured with West Ham technical director Tim Steidten

However, a run of four unbeaten league matches – including victories over fellow strugglers Wolves and Southampton – appeared to buy time for Lopetegui, who had also flown home during that run following the death of his father.

“The first half of the 2024/25 season did not match the Club’s ambitions and the Club has therefore taken action in line with its objectives,” said the club statement confirmed Lopetegui’s dismissal on Wednesday.

‘The board would like to thank Julen and his staff for their hard work during their time at the Hammers and wish them every success for the future.’

Potter was in the King Power Stadium television studio during the defeat to Leicester on December 3 and admitted he was eyeing a return to management.

“Yes, of course,” he said. “Like I said before, you’re open to anything.”