West Ham appointment feels like ‘Christmas’ says new boss Potter

AFP | London

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Graham Potter said it felt like “Christmas for the adults” after he was named as West Ham’s new manager on Thursday, just a day after Julen Lopetegui’s sacking.

The Englishman, who has signed a two-and-a-half-year contract at the London Stadium, has been out of management since he was fired by Chelsea in April 2023.

West Ham said in a statement that Potter was a highly sought-after coach who was the “board’s unanimous choice”.

He takes charge with the Hammers languishing 14th in the Premier League, seven points above the relegation zone, after just six wins in 20 league matches during Lopetegui’s six-month tenure.

“Very excited, very proud,” Potter said at his first press conference on Thursday. “Proud day to be head coach, manager of this amazing club. Big tradition, big history, big expectation, big challenge.

“I’m really excited. It’s almost a bit like Christmas for adults.” Potter, dismissed by Chelsea just seven months into five-year contract, said West Ham felt like a good fit.

“It was important that I think I chose the right option for me at the right time and as soon as I spoke to this club it felt right for me,” he said. “It’s an amazing tradition here,” he added.

“There’s expectation, there’s demands, a recent history of success. My experience is if you can build a team that is recognisable on the pitch, that supporters proudly identify with and enjoy watching -- if you get that connection between the players and supporters, everybody aligned.”

The 49-year-old’s first match will be an FA Cup third roundtie against Aston Villa on Friday, followed by Premier League games against Fulham and Crystal Palace.