Graham Potter pulled no punches when he was pressed on the future of West Ham technical director Tim Steidten.
There has been intense speculation over the future of Tim Steidten at West Ham of late.
Steidten declared his ‘euphoria’ at having full control of West Ham’s recruitment after the departure of David Moyes.
The German was given the keys to the West Ham castle to control the entire football operation.
Steidten was hailed a hero by many Hammers fans after overseeing nine signings to the tune of £155m in the summer.
But the Irons technical director has faced an uncertain future after a number of those signings failed to live up to their price tags.
When Julen Lopetegui was sacked, reports claimed Steidten could be next.
A leading club source said Steidten was already 50 per cent gone from West Ham when Graham Potter was appointed earlier this month.
Potter’s response to a blunt Steidten question was very revealing in his very first press conference.
It was noted that the manager – who discussed his positive relations with David Sullivan, Karren Brady and Mark Noble – did not mention Steidten by name.
Potter delivers knockout blow to Steidten at West Ham
The threadbare squad Potter has had to work with in the last two games has only piled more pressure on the technical director.
Reports have abound this week that Steidten is actively seeking employment elsewhere.
Especially since West Ham agreed a £1.2m with Chelsea for recruitment guru Kyle Macauley.
There have been conflicting reports over what Macauley’s precise role will be at West Ham.
Some have stated he would just be part of the scouting setup.
But now Potter has delivered a knockout blow to Steidten by confirming Macaulay’s West Ham role.
One of the first things West Ham’s manager was asked about in his press conference on Friday afternoon was Steidten and Macauley.
Once again Potter did not refer to Steidten by name.
He skirted around an awkward direct question about the former Bayer Leverkusen man.
But Potter pulled no punches when he was asked to clarify Macauley’s role.
Potter confirms Macaulay’s West Ham role
Because the Hammers boss has confirmed Macauley, who he has worked with at all his previous clubs, will be West Ham’s new head of recruitment.
When pressed on where that leaves Steidten, Potter suggested there is still room for a technical director role – but his explanation lacked any real conviction during uncomfortable scenes.
It seems clear from Potter’s responses that Steidten is on his way.
Especially having had his ultimate responsibility – recruitment – taken away from him and handed to Macauley.
“Nothing to report for me (on Steidten leaving West Ham),” Potter said in his press conference.
“We’ve had a full week of training, my focus has been on the players and the staff here. We’re working with the club and doing our best to help the club improve.
“That’s all I can say.
Macauley is West Ham’s new head of recruitment
“Kyle’s in, Kyle’s been part of my staff for the last – however many years I’ve been coaching since Sweden. So I know him well, he knows me well.
“It’s a good link between the coach and the club in terms of recruitment, in terms of the hours and depths of conversations that you have to have around recruitment.
“It’s easier to have with Kyle than it is for me because clearly I’m on the pitch and working with the 20-odd players that we’ve got here.
“So I’m really happy with that appointment, it’s something that was always going to happen. It was just a case of when and I’m obviously delighted he’s here.”
When asked to clarify Macauley’s remit, Potter did not beat around the bush.
“Yea, he’s head of recruitment,” Potter added.
“So again to provide a link between myself, the coach, and the club to make the best decisions we can.
“Recruitment is about having lots of conversations and lots of work to make the right decision. And the reality of it is coaches and head coaches in the Premier League these days, the time on that in a global market is nearly impossible.
“To have somebody like Kyle to help in that regard is great for us and great for me.”
Potter went on to say there would be ‘no problem’ with the appointment because there is still room for a technical director.
But given Steidten’s remit prior to the January transfer window, it is a clear demotion as he nears the Hammers exit.
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