FOMO, or Fear of Missing Out, is a funny old thing. It’s that desire to have something we wouldn’t ordinarily want, but the idea of someone else getting it first suddenly makes it far more desirable.
You can probably see where I’m heading with this because I do believe West Ham have Graham Potter FOMO.
Looking back to last year, Potter was floated as a candidate to replace David Moyes when the Scotsman was hanging by a thread at West Ham. My old mate Hughie spoke to a top source at the London Stadium to ask if Potter was being seriously considered. The answer was a clear no.
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The insider was concerned that Potter’s best work had come under Dan Ashworth and Tony Bloom at Brighton. The West Ham hierarchy were convinced Brighton’s meteoric rise was down to their ownership and structure rather than Potter’s coaching ability.
Fast forward less than a year, and suddenly Potter is leading the race to replace Julen Lopetegui in the Hammers’ hot seat. I’m not sure why. His reputation hasn’t been enhanced since he left Chelsea, where his stint was, let’s face it, a failure.
So, why the change of heart?
Perhaps it’s because the club’s budget is tighter than ever and we’re skint. Maybe our top targets have already turned us down. Or is it simply that we’re scared Wolves will pinch him first?
It’s possible FOMO has kicked in. The thought of one of our rivals snagging an available manager might be too much for the board to bear. Perhaps they’re so petrified of seeing Potter in the Wolves dugout that he suddenly seems more appealing.
Then again, maybe he’s already had an interview and impressed. Now, where have I heard that before?