Top Sky Sports journalist Kaveh Solhekol appears to be one of the few people West Ham chief David Sullivan is still speaking to and he has now delivered a revealing update on the future of Graham Potter.
Intense speculation suggests Graham Potter is on the verge of being sacked by West Ham.
The Englishman has failed to inspire a shift in trajectory since taking over at the London Stadium in January.
West Ham’s malaise pre-dates Potter, charting back to the messy end to David Moyes’ tenure.
The Hammers were flying high in the top six midway through the season before last after a 2-0 win at Arsenal on December 28th 2023.
Potter has failed to arrest steep West Ham decline
But from that moment to now West Ham United have won just 17 of their 62 Premier League matches following the 2-1 defeat to Crystal Palace at the weekend.
Former Hammers assistant coach Kevin Nolan has claimed previously the decline started when word got out amongst players that Moyes’ contract offer was withdrawn and he would be leaving.
Julen Lopetegui was labelled a disaster when he became West Ham’s shortest-serving permanent manager of all-time as David Sullivan sacked the Spaniard after 192 days.
Potter’s record is even worse with just six victories from 25 games in almost nine months at the helm.
Speculation over Potter’s position has intensified since the 3-0 defeat to Spurs last weekend.
The Palace clash, which came against the backdrop of fans protesting to force Sullivan and Karren Brady out, was billed a must-not-lose for the Hammers boss.
That’s exactly what happened, though, with the same old frailties there for all to see as West Ham conceded yet another goal from a corner – a record seventh of the season so far, just six games in.
West Ham now face daunting back-to-back away matches at Everton and Arsenal – who are both among the best at set-plays in the top flight.
Given widespread reporting that Potter would be sacked if West Ham lost to Palace and the fact the board has spoken with both Nuno Espirito Santo and Slaven Bilic about taking over, it was expected an announcement was imminent on the manager’s sacking.
Solhekol reveals what Sullivan told Potter and it looks ominous
One report has suggested West Ham are delaying the inevitable axing of Potter until the October international break.
Some fans think they know the real reason the Hammers are holding off appointing a new manager for another two weeks.
Now it has been revealed what West Ham chief Sullivan has told Potter — and it looks ominous.
Leading Sky Sports journalist Kaveh Solhekol has provided new insight which will pile further pressure on the under-fire board and Hammers boss.
Sullivan has cut off West Ham-related media citing a lack of support in the wake of fresh fan unrest.
But Solhekol appears to remain in the loop based on his updates from club sources of late.
Sullivan’s reality TV star partner has also defended the West Ham chief.
Ampika Pickston also appeared to drop a hint Potter will be sacked as she suggested ‘things are about to change’.
Taking to social media, Solhekol has revealed that Sullivan told Potter he must get ‘four or five points’ from games against Palace, Everton and Arsenal following the defeat to Spurs.
With another loss chalked up against the Eagles and few giving West Ham any semblance of hope of results on the road to the Toffees and Gunners, the writing now looks very much on the wall.
Hammers board set Potter target which now seems impossible
“West Ham board are considering all their options after another defeat,” Solhekol said.
“They wanted to see a reaction from Graham Potter’s side but despite an improved performance West Ham lost again.
“They had in mind a target of four or five points from the three games before the next international break – against Palace, Everton and Arsenal.
“Although it’s difficult to see how that target can be achieved now with two tough away games, no decision has been made as of this afternoon (Sunday) about Potter’s future.
“Potter signed a two-and-a-half-year contract when he replaced Julen Lopetegui in January. Such a contract at West Ham would typically have a break clause after 18 months.
“Options such as Nuno Espirito Santo and Slaven Bilic are being considered in case the decision is made to make a change.”
Many West Ham fans feel the club are essentially sacrificing another two games in the battle to stay up by not acting now on Potter.
Especially as any new manager would have eight uninterrupted days before the trip to Everton.
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