One thing is certain. West Ham’s Chairman won’t want to get it wrong again. The folly of appointing [Julen Lopetegui](https://www.claretandhugh.info/lopetegui-sack-update/) in the summer has unravelled very publicly: No improvement in performances, dreadful capitulations against some very ordinary opposition, two separate fall – outs between Lopetegui and his squad and just six points above the relegation zone is a very far cry from where West Ham’s directors expected to be after spending £140 million in the Summer.
Before Lopetegui wrecks the whole season he has to be replaced: West Ham’s board are in meetings and will ‘continue in the next few days’ as the succession is planned. Surely it should have been ready to go after the ‘must win’ Everton game which Lopetegui didn’t win. This crisis will be come a disaster if Lopetegui lasts until the weekend.
There is now a consensus amongst several journalists and media sources that West Ham have a shortlist of four possible candidates to replace Lopetegui. As reported widely – for example in today’s _thesun.co.uk,_ the _three_ under final consideration are:
**Graham Potter 49,** fond of the high press, great results at Brighton but the wheels fell off at Chelsea. Ticks all of the Sullivan ‘essentials’ boxes- free, no compensation required, has Premier League experience but he will have expensive salary demands having had stratospheric pay at Chelsea. Not, reportedly, David Sullivan’s top choice (probably as he’s costly!)
**Edin Terzic 42,** former assistant head coach at London Stadium under Bilic so probably;y side-steps Sullivans ‘Premier League experience’. Great Bundesliga success but divisive having had dressing room bust ups with, amongst others, Niclas Fullkrug at Borussia Dortmund. Steidten ‘already spoken’ apparently.
**Sergio Conceicao, 50,** Former manager of Porto, winning 11 honours including three league titles and the double in 2019–20 and 2021–22. Lots of possession play, bit nervous about his preference for ‘rotational’ play with team members less rigidly positioned. Hope he isn’t Lopetegui 2.0. No Premier League experience. Has already – reportedly – turned down Everton to wait for West Ham job. Reportedly a Steidten pick.
However, gaining traction even in the last 24 hours is ‘the fourth man’ –
**Max Allegri 57,** Is a former AC Milan and Juventus Manager. Fourteen tropies. No Premier League experience.Rumoured to have been in UK learning English. However he is super expensive – reportedly wants €8 million a year to manage in the PL.
Frankly, after the last few days, I’d cheerfully get behind any of those. I’m sure you are all as exhausted as I am from watching the wheels come off as the games unfold and reading about it too- _and from the comments it is 100% clear that Claret and Hugh readers would like to see some decisive leadership from inside the club._