(Credit: Sky Sports/Imago)
Josh Edwards
Mon 19 May 2025 16:10, UK
Paul Merson has expressed his sympathy for the job Graham Potter has been handed at West Ham.
West Ham could finish as low as 17th in the Premier League this season, showcasing just how far they have regressed under both Julen Lopetegui and Potter.
Aside from Jarrod Bowen, there have been very few positives to take from the current campaign, and unless change happens in the summer, it will likely be the same next time out.
Potter has done nothing at all to subdue the concerns at the London Stadium, but Merson thinks he should be given time to steady the ship.
West Ham
Potter will be feeling the heat at West Ham (Credit: Imago)
Potter has sparked major concern at West Ham
Potter’s reputation, mainly from his time at Brighton, certainly saw his appointment at West Ham welcomed by many, but things have not gone to plan.
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The Irons have looked lost under his guidance (or lack of), and sack rumours are already swirling around the London Stadium.
With that said, Merason thinks the Englishman should be afforded more time, but highlighted just how difficult it will be next season after they announced the exit of Aaron Cresswell and Vladimir Coufal, two of their more experienced players.
Players leaving in the summer
Aaron Cresswell
Lukasz Fabianski
Vladimir Coufal
Danny Ings
West Ham are losing a lot of experience this summer.
Via Sky Sports, he said: “You look at all of them players that are going, I mean that will bring the average age down to about 12 or 13. Experience is priceless, and when that experience goes, that is when you start to struggle.
“I think West Ham is a hard job, I think it’s a big club, and I think someone needs a lot of time. There’s a lot to be done there, and I think he should be given a four or five-year contract to get it right.”
"I think he should get a four or five-year contract" 📝
Paul Merson believes Graham Potter needs a lot of time at West Ham to get it right ⏳ pic.twitter.com/f1lmotVSNj
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) May 18, 2025
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West Ham would be taking huge risk with Potter next season
There is nothing to be optimistic about next season, and that is the main concern.
Potter has done nothing to suggest he is the man capable of taking West Ham back to where they belong, and sticking with him could do more damage than good.
Whether he stays or goes, the Irons need to make that decision quickly, otherwise it will severely impact their ability to recruit top talent in the summer transfer window.
Not only will recruitment be important, but it is crucial that the Hammers are able to retain the services of those who have sparked optimism this season, with the likes of Bowen and Aaron Wan-Bissaka undoubtedly set to be looked at by other clubs.
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