Potter on the brink at West Ham after Palace defeat

Potter on the brink at West Ham after Palace defeat

Graham Potter’s future at West Ham United is hanging by a thread as pressure mounts following the club’s fourth defeat in five Premier League matches, this time a 2-1 home loss to Crystal Palace.

BBC Sport reports that the club hierarchy has already begun identifying managerial alternatives, with former Wolves and Spurs boss Nuno Espirito Santo, ex-Hammers coach Slaven Bilic, and Gary O’Neil among the early candidates.

Internal Discussions Intensify

Multiple sources have confirmed that West Ham initiated contingency planning even before Saturday’s loss at the London Stadium. While sacking a manager after five games is far from ideal, the mood within the boardroom suggests a lack of faith in Potter’s ability to reverse the slump.

The Hammers are now facing a tough run of fixtures, with matches against Everton and Arsenal before the international break. These next two games may define whether Potter survives the autumn.

Dismal Record & Fan Backlash

Since taking over in January, Potter has managed 25 games, winning just six—a poorer record than his predecessor Julen Lopetegui, who was dismissed after 22 matches with seven wins.

West Ham’s home form has particularly angered fans:

• Last Premier League home win: 27 February

• Home losses this season: Chelsea, Tottenham, Crystal Palace

• Fans chanted “sacked in the morning” at Potter during Saturday’s match

Saturday’s defeat also came amid mass protests at the stadium calling for chairman David Sullivan and vice-chair Karren Brady to step down.

Potter: “We have to stick together”

Despite the chants and the growing unrest, Potter defended the team’s effort in the Palace loss:

“It’s tough, the results are not what we want. I feel for the players, supporters, everybody connected with the club. We have to stick together and find a solution.”

Asked if he still felt board support, Potter said:

“Yeah, I’ve no reason to think not.”

But his words did little to calm the storm around his tenure.

Expert Opinions: “Not Looking Good”

Wayne Rooney, speaking on BBC Sport, didn’t hold back:

“It feels like, with the protests this week, that the fans want him out. It’ll be an interesting 48 hours.”

Danny Murphy added:

“West Ham fans expect more. They’ve spent money. Confidence is depleting with each game. It’s not looking good for him.”

Who Could Replace Potter?

Three names are already circulating inside the London Stadium:

• Nuno Espirito Santo: Free agent after recent Forest sacking

• Slaven Bilic: A possible short-term solution and familiar face

• Gary O’Neil: Known for stabilizing Wolves and Bournemouth on tight budgets

The club is not expected to make an immediate decision, but the fact that talks are ongoing signals that a change could be imminent—unless Potter delivers results immediately.

What’s Next?

• Everton (A) – A relegation six-pointer next weekend

• Arsenal (H) – Crucial home fixture before the break

Should Potter fail to secure at least one win, his tenure may not last beyond the international window.