David Sullivan looks thoughtfully at Graham Potter.
(Credit: Imago)
Alex Charlton
Fri 22 August 2025 16:40, UK
Graham Potter is already up against it at West Ham after just one game of the Premier League season.
Sunderland trounced West Ham at the Stadium of Light, with the Irons continuing their wretched form from last term.
Next, Potter’s side face Chelsea in what could be an even tougher encounter for the East London club.
Indeed, there has already been talk of the sack, but would it be worth the cost for David Sullivan?
Graham Potter on the touchline in West Ham training gear.
Potter has started the campaign in the worst way imaginable (Credit: Imago)
This story includes exclusive comment from football finance expert Dr Daniel Plumley.
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West Ham could sack Graham Potter amid relegation fears
West Ham are expected to lose to Chelsea, and that could have severe ramifications for their manager.
Now, football finance expert Dan Plumley – speaking exclusively to Hammers Zone – has weighed up the cost of keeping Potter against the cost of relegation.
“I can manage the counterargument to this is always how costly is a relegation, and I think that’s what ultimately is the driving factor behind this,” he said.
“If you do pay out compensation fees, we know that relegation from the Premier League is going to lose £60million at least off your revenue line overnight because of the TV money difference, so that’s a big number.
“That’s the one that clubs are most scared of, and West Ham are one of those clubs that are only one bad season away from that kind of catastrophe happening.
Relegation would be catastrophic for West Ham
They have high-earning players and a large stadium to fill
Sacking Potter may be the only option if results continue
“So yes, managerial changes are expensive and likely come with compensation fees nowadays, but those compensation fees are going to be nowhere near the cost of not being in that league.
“That’s what they’re balancing, and if form does carry on like that, I think they will act pretty swiftly because we’ve seen them do it before, and again, you’ve got to protect that Premier League status if you’re West Ham United.”
Read more: West Ham reveal means it may get even worse for Graham Potter vs Chelsea
West Ham manager Graham Potter anxiously watches on from the dugout
Potter needs results fast at the London Stadium (Credit: Imago)
How long will David Sullivan give Graham Potter?
Looking at the Hammers’ fixtures, it seems that Potter will have to claim some big scalps to keep his job.
After Chelsea, West Ham face Nottingham Forest, Tottenham, and Crystal Palace in the league, with two of those games at home.
Date Competition Opponent
22 August Premier League Chelsea
26 August Carabao Cup Wolves
31 August Premier League Nottingham Forest
13 September Premier League Tottenham
20 September Premier League Crystal Palace
West Ham’s upcoming fixtures
Indeed, the Irons will enter those games as underdogs, meaning Potter will need to pull off an upset.
If he is given more time, then Everton, Arsenal, and Brentford await, but as Sunderland proved, no match is easy.
Crucially, there is an international break coming up, which would give the Hammers hierarchy time to make a decision.
At a glance, the 50-year-old’s future looks grim, and he needs results fast if he is to remain at the London Stadium.
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