From England Hopeful to Premier League Flop: Potter’s Fall
West Ham took only three points from their opening five Premier League games this season under Graham Potter

From England Hopeful to Premier League Flop: Potter’s Fall

From England Contender to Reputation in Tatters – The Rise and Fall of Graham Potter

Once regarded as a future England manager, Graham Potter’s stock has plummeted after successive and short-lived stints at Chelsea and West Ham, leaving his Premier League reputation in shambles.

West Ham Exit – Another Brutal Blow

After just eight months in charge, West Ham United pulled the trigger on Potter, who leaves with the club 19th in the Premier League after four defeats in five. His record? A mere six wins from 25 games.

This follows a similar downfall at Chelsea, where Potter lasted only seven months, winning seven games out of 22 in a chaotic post-Tuchel transition period.

Potter described Chelsea as a “perfect storm” – and now finds himself twice consumed by instability, despite his reputation as a thoughtful tactician.

 Poor Fit for Big Club Chaos

Some West Ham fans have directed their anger at chairman David Sullivan and vice-chair Karren Brady

Some West Ham fans have directed their anger at chairman David Sullivan and vice-chair Karren Brady

Potter thrived under the stability and vision at Brighton, but faltered under the pressures at Chelsea and West Ham, two clubs with polar opposite approaches to the Seagulls.

At Brighton:

  • Potter had 120 matches, winning 34 with a 28% win rate.

  • He led the team to 9th place in his final full season.

  • Left them in 4th place early in the 2022–23 campaign.

At Chelsea:

  • Took over after Thomas Tuchel’s shock exit.

  • Handed a bloated squad post-£323m January spend.

  • Lasted 206 days.

At West Ham:

  • Waited 637 days for a “carefully chosen” return.

  • Ended with fans protesting, poor performances, and being sacked right after previewing the next match.

From FA Shortlist to Premier League Pariah

Before Chelsea, Potter was on the FA’s radar to succeed Gareth Southgate. That dream has now evaporated.

Former England defender Martin Keown remarked:

“Potter could have been England manager. Now you look at his win percentage… his next job in the Premier League, if he gets one, is crucial.”

Potter’s top-flight managerial win records:

  • Brighton: 28%

  • Chelsea: 32%

  • West Ham: 26%

Set-Piece Failures, Lost Identity

One of the most scathing critiques of Potter’s West Ham tenure came from pundits like Micah Richards and Martin Keown, who highlighted:

  • Seven set-piece goals conceded

  • Lack of organisation

  • Players looking “like schoolboys”

Potter, usually praised for tactical discipline, looked overwhelmed and devoid of answers in key areas.

What’s Next for Potter?

It’s unlikely Potter will walk into another Premier League job anytime soon. The continent may offer a more measured environment akin to what he enjoyed at Ostersund and Brighton.

But the dream of leading a big English club — or the national team — now seems wildly distant.

  “I watched them play Spurs… it was chaotic. Eventually, that comes back to the manager.”

Martin Keown, on West Ham’s tactical collapse.

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