West Ham fans are becoming increasingly divided over the future of Graham Potter after another week without a victory.
- Hammers News exclusive
There was enthusiasm at West Ham when Graham Potter replaced Julen Lopetegui in January.
There is no hiding that there were understandable concerns among some about the fact Potter had been out of the game for nearly two years.
But many felt things could not get any worse than they already were under Lopetegui.
In terms of results so far, they were wrong.
Potter took over the Hammers when they were 13th in the Premier League table, within reach of the top half.
They also had an FA Cup third round clash at Aston Villa to come.
Potter’s West Ham record fails to inspire as some fans lose patience
West Ham actually played well at Villa despite Potter having only taken one training session. But injuries saw the Irons surrender a 1-0 lead slip to drop out at the first hurdle.
While it would be somewhat harsh to attribute that defeat to Potter given he had only just taken over, concerns over what has followed since are legitimate.
West Ham have won just three of Potter’s 16 matches in charge and have regressed to 17th in the table.
Had it been a more competitive Premier League season, the Hammers would find themselves in a dogfight to stay up with three games to go.
Given the club’s dismal form is not unique to Potter’s spell, it is clear the issues are not all down to the Englishman.
The side has won just 13 of of the last 54 league games since January 2024.
That’s under three managers and with a turnaround of 22 players.
But clearly things have not improved at all in terms of results – and many would argue performances – since Potter’s arrival.
West Ham could not beat Tottenham’s reserve side – which contained eight changes – as they drew 1-1 at the London Stadium.
The underwhelming display and result was made worse due to the fact Spurs’ second string looked like they were more concerned with avoiding getting injured and not being involved in a potential Europa League final than beating West Ham.
Jarrod Bowen once again pulled West Ham out of the fire.
Many Hammers fans feel their 49-year-old boss should be doing better with the squad he has at his disposal, even if they are not his players.
West Ham board make decisive statement on Potter’s future
Wolves boss Vitor Pereira is proving a manager can work with someone else’s players to get results in a similar timeframe. And the issues at Wolves were arguably far worse than at West Ham.
When majority owner David Sullivan was in talks to appoint Potter, he originally wanted to hand him a six-month deal which would be reviewed at the end of the season and, depending on how it had gone, extended or terminated.
Some supporters are arguing Potter needs the summer window to change the team and some grace until next season.
But the big concern is the lack of uplift thus far and backing yet another manager many have doubts over with such a pivotal rebuild.
One look at fan forums and social media makes it clear the faction of West Ham fans who think Potter is the wrong choice and must be replaced this summer is growing.
Now the West Ham board have responded to some fans calling for Potter to be axed.
Hammers News put it to the owners that there was a growing number of fans calling for Potter to be sacked.
The point was also raised over whether it would be wise to let the former Chelsea boss rebuild the squad when he has struggled to make an impact in his near half a season in charge.
But as far as Sullivan, Karren Brady and the rest of the Hammers board are concerned, there is no dilemma.
Because they have thrown their unequivocal backing behind Potter.
“We still 100 per cent believe in him,” West Ham’s owners exclusively told Hammers News in a short, sharp statement after the draw with Spurs.
West Ham’s summer rebuild hinges on big Potter gamble
West Ham’s fixtures to end the season don’t look too appealing.
Man United away is never easy for West Ham regardless of how bad a shape they are in.
Norttingham Forest are chasing down a Champions League spot.
And already relegated Ipswich will be fired up at home for the final game of the season to ensure they don’t bow out of the Premier League with a whimper.
The response of West Ham’s owners appears to suggest Potter will definitely remain in place even if his struggles continue through to the summer.
It is good to see the club taking a stand about the manager either way. Clarity is important.
West Ham fans will just be hoping it is the right call ahead of one of the most important summer transfer windows in the club’s recent history.
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