There has been a stunning development regarding the West Ham manager’s job just hours before the must-win game against Wolves.
The pressure on West Ham boss Julen Lopetegui ahead of the Premier League six-pointer with Wolves was already monumental.
Now it has reached fever pitch.
The Hammers stuck by Lopetegui after a board summit over his future on Thursday.
But it has been claimed by a host of top sources since that the owners were merely buying more time while they settle on a replacement.
The reason for that was revealed by Hammers News yesterday.
Because West Ham’s hierarchy were split six different ways on six different managers.
A plethora of managers – now well in excess of a dozen in the last week alone – have been linked with the Hammers hotseat.
A journalist source close to the situation told Hammers News at the weekend that different camps have been championing contrasting managers.
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Technical director Tim Steidten wants Edin Terzic or Roger Schmidt.
Vice-chairman Karren Brady has been pushing hard for Graham Potter – who is good friends with her husband Paul Peschisolido.
Two influential agents want Christophe Galtier and Max Allegri.
Meanwhile sporting director Noble, whose role now focuses primarily on West Ham’s Academy, wants Middlesbrough boss Michael Carrick.
Julen Lopetegui, Manager of West Ham United, acknowledges the fans after the Premier League match between Leicester City FC and West Ham United FC ...
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Successor sealed: Stunning Potter breakthrough at West Ham
It has been confirmed by a Sky Sports reporter from inside the London Stadium that Lopetegui will be sacked if West Ham don’t beat Wolves.
But even if the Hammers win that game, majority owner David Sullivan and the board have set the manager a mammoth task.
Lopetegui must win every game up to Liverpool on December 29th to survive.
In the background talks have continued with candidates.
A big sticking point had been that the board are keen to only bring in a replacement on a short-term deal until the end of the season before reassessing from there.
That had reportedly put a number of alleged targets off.
Now the successor is sealed after a stunning Potter breakthrough just hours before West Ham’s must-win game.
Journalist Graeme Bailey has revealed to Hammers News that Potter has today agreed to take the job until the end of the season if and when Lopetegui is sacked.
Graham Potter during a piece to camera pitch side inside King Power Stadium before the Premier League match between Leicester City and West Ham Uni...
Photo by Plumb Images/Leicester City FC via Getty Images
Potter agrees short-term Hammers deal when Lopetegui leaves
“Potter has agreed to take the job on a short-term deal until end of the season, when Lopetegui leaves,” Bailey told Hammers News.
Bailey’s claim has also been repeated by talkSPORT just hours before the game against Wolves.
In a piece headlined ‘Ready’, the report states Potter has agreed to take the reins.
The report says ‘Potter is now ready to return to the dugout’ and sees West Ham as ‘the right opportunity’ even on an initial short-term deal.
All eyes now on the London Stadium, where anything but a convincing West Ham win and performance will likely cost Lopetegui his job.
If that happens, then it appears Potter is the man waiting in the wings.
The news will disappoint Hammers fans who wanted to see Michael Carrick given the chance.
West Ham Academy graduate Carrick wants the job.
And yesterday a report suggested he could get it too with the Hammers leaning towards Noble pick Carrick.
Potter will be highly motivated to restore his damaged reputation in east London.
The ex Brighton and Swansea boss has been out of work since being sacked by Chelsea in April 2023.
He managed just 31 games at Chelsea, losing 11 – leaving Chelsea in 11th place in the Premier League.
But many felt he faced a difficult task having a plethora of new signings thrust upon him as the Blues amassed a bloated squad of players on big money.
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