Graham Potter has manoeuvred himself into a pretty strong position at [West Ham.](https://www.claretandhugh.info/potter-faces-fiery-start-as-hammers-learn-premier-league-fate/) Compared with his appointment back in January, the former Brighton Head Coach now has a solid grip on the football club which is fine as long as results on the pitch go his way.
From the very start, with the power shift which saw Tim Steidten fired in February the direction of travel was clear. Even the club spokesman started referring to him as ‘the manager’ in communications as Potter grew his influence. The subsequent appointment of Potter’s man Kyle Macaulay as head of recruitment again cemented Potter’s dominance.
A much needed further appointment has been confirmed just today with another of Potter’s old guard: Sports psychologist James Bell was confirmed by ExWHUEmployee in _thewesthamway.com._
Bell worked with Graham Potter at Brighton and clearly adds another dimension to the Manager’s hand-picked coaching team.
Described as an appointment with a mission” _to improve the winning mentality and resilience at the club.” –_ as their report suggests, it further cements Potter’s own position:
_“It’s seen as big move for the club and one that further shows the long term thinking surrounding Potter at West Ham, with Bell having worked with him previously at Brighton.”_
All of which is fine and appropriately ‘professional’. After capitulations last season which were humiliating for the club, the mental toughness was questioned as a fragility led to several games being thrown away in the last few minutes. Anything – or anyone – who can change that is to be welcomed.
Clearly Graham Potter now has a vice-like grip on the club as his ‘Head – Coach’ title morphs into an old fashioned ‘Manager – supremo’ role. Which is fine as long as the results follow, otherwise there is absolutely nobody else to take the blame.