I don’t enjoy speculating about a manager’s future, yet it seems inevitable that [West Ham](https://www.claretandhugh.info/west-ham-v-chelsea-graham-potters-team-news-with-one-surprise/) will decide to part ways with Graham Potter, and it’s even more likely they’ll already have a shortlist of managerial candidates.
Potter looked every bit the condemned man walking to the gallows after the 5-1 loss to Chelsea, admitting grimly “I know the territory, I know what comes with poor results and I accept my responsibility.”
Should Potter be given his marching orders anytime time soon, true to form, West Ham will likely once again turn to the familiar pool of experienced names currently out of work.
One name already circulating, should he depart Nottingham Forest, is Nuno Espírito Santo.
Without sounding overly pessimistic, Nuno could face serious challenges at West Ham given the current squad. His teams are built on defensive structure and low possession—Forest averaged 39.3% possession last season, the lowest in the Premier League.
That kind of setup demands a watertight back line. Forest managed 13 clean sheets last season, but West Ham—despite spending a staggering £127.6 million on four centre-backs, have already conceded eight goals in two games.
Nuno’s system also relies heavily on pace and vertical running. That might work if players like Guilherme or Summerville are given consistent minutes, but as it stands, the squad lacks the explosive speed needed to stretch opponents. In midfield, the return of James Ward-Prowse from Forest midway through his previous ill-fated loan speaks volumes—Nuno’s midfield demands energy and mobility, which West Ham are clearly short on.
That said, there’s a silver lining: Nuno’s Forest side scored 17 goals from set pieces last season, more than any other team. Given that context, in contrast to the previous point, Ward-Prowse—paired with a dynamic, ball-carrying midfielder—could actually thrive in his system.
There is another managerial candidate quietly admired by a certain board member. Steve Cooper – a name destined to step out from the shadows sooner or later. Cooper operates with a higher based possession approach. However, prepare to be uninspired – his last managerial gig lasted 15 games at Leicester City with a 20% win ratio.
_His appointment in my opinion would be West Ham’s next kamikaze moment, charging headfirst into chaos with no parachute._
The “Careful what you wish for” brigade will already be out in force, yet the next managerial appointment will need prudent consideration and strategic insight.
For now however we prepare for our next game under Graham Potter – an away trip to Molineux to face Wolves in the Carabao Cup.