The mood around the [London Stadium](https://www.claretandhugh.info/west-ham-london-stadium-row-rumbles-as-mayor-says-no-special-treatment/) has soured dramatically as West Ham stumble through the early stages of the Premier League season. The Hammers have conceded a staggering 11 goals in four league matches, and 14 in total when factoring in the brief League Cup outing. A meagre three points from a possible twelve, and an overall record for Graham Potter of 6 wins out of 24 games has left fans disillusioned (myself included) and the board deeply concerned about the potential prospect of a relegation battle.
The atmosphere at home games has been particularly telling. On two separate occasions, a packed-out London Stadium began to empty long before the final whistle a visual indictment of the team’s performances and a warning sign for the club’s board. The optics of a half-empty stadium, especially during high-profile fixtures, are not just embarrassing, they’re destabilising and will be worse should the unthinkable happen – relegation.
As Potter’s tenure teeters, attention turns to potential replacements. But the options reportedly under consideration offer little in the way of inspiration or optimism. Historically, West Ham have avoided paying-out to poach managers in active roles, preferring instead to “shop around in the dole office”, a strategy that now feels increasingly outdated and uninspiring.
One manager currently in employment, **Frank Lampard** has had a strong start at Coventry City, however his Premier League résumé remains underwhelming, and his history with West Ham fans is far from harmonious. This link has been dismissed by a number of sources at the club.
**Jose Mourinho,** while a glamorous option, is unlikely to mesh with Sullivan’s leadership style, which I wrote about previously, though co-owner Daniel Kretinsky may advocate for him if results continue to nosedive. It seems he’s been largely discounted, though: [Claret and Hugh’s article](https://www.claretandhugh.info/claret-and-hugh-exclusive-potter-totters-but-one-replacement-ruled-out-categorically/) this morning.
**Sean Dyche,** a seasoned campaigner, could offer grit and defensive solidity, but his pragmatic style may not align with West Ham’s aspirations for progressive football. **Gareth Southgate**, still enjoying his sabbatical, is a bookies’ favourite but lacks recent club-level experience. **Steve Cooper,** meanwhile, is quietly seen as the most viable option, albeit with a patchy record that raises eyebrows. Speaking of the bookies, top of the pile at one stage this morning was **Brendan Rodgers 3/1,** whilst **Nuno Espirito Santo** was a late entrant at 10/1. Don’t forget the newly out of work **Ole Gunnar Solskjaer** at 16/1 or even – really – David Moyes 28/1!!
The predicament is clear: West Ham are drifting, and the current trajectory under Potter is unsustainable. The board must act decisively, not just to salvage the season, but to restore belief among a fanbase that has grown weary of false dawns and managerial merry-go-rounds.
With the spectre of relegation looming and no standout candidate to take the reins, West Ham face a critical juncture. The next few weeks could define not just Potter’s fate, but the club’s long-term direction.