Jeff Stelling looking concerned, West Ham boss Graham Potter in inlet.
Credit: talkSPORT/Imago
Declan Carr
Thu 28 August 2025 15:40, UK
Graham Potter is the subject of intense scrutiny at West Ham.
West Ham have a dismal record since Potter took over, winning just five of his 22 matches in charge at the London Stadium outfit.
David Sullivan has overseen a poor transfer window; however, it has since emerged that Potter may be at fault for West Ham’s failures in the market.
Results on the pitch have been just as concerning as West Ham have been hammered in their opening two Premier League matches.
West Ham owner David Sullivan watching his team in action.
Credit: Imago
Jeff Stelling defends Graham Potter ahead of Nottingham Forest vs West Ham
Jeff Stelling made a controversial Jarrod Bowen exit claim earlier this week and pleaded for forgiveness from Irons supporters.
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He may face their wrath again, after he publicly defended under-fire boss Potter, who many supporters want axed.
Stelling also predicted a close win for Nottingham Forest at the City Ground on Sunday, with things set to get worse before they get better.
Speaking via talkSPORT on 28 August, he said: “West Ham can seriously only get better. I do have a certain amount of sympathy with Graham Potter.
“Despite their off-field issues, Forest look very decent again this season. They have the sort of drive and determination that West Ham seems to lack.
“I am going Nottingham Forest 1-0 West Ham.”
West Ham needs to beat Nottingham Forest
The East London club need a win against Forest to get their season on track, as it has been a truly miserable start to the campaign.
If they could get a victory over a side that will likely contend for a European place, it would be a massive result for Potter and could turn his fortunes around.
The ex-Brighton manager’s side have scored just once and conceded eight goals in the opening two league matches, and are already bottom of the league as a result.
They need to start building momentum soon; otherwise, the former Chelsea boss will find himself without a job, and the E20 club will have to begin the rebuilding process once again.
Stelling’s sympathy for Potter is not a surprise; he has been put in a difficult situation with the lack of incomings.
However, many observers do not know the full story; it seems as though Potter and his recruitment chief, Kyle Macaulay, have aimed too high when it comes to potential targets like Harvey Elliott and Jacob Ramsey.
They need to secure some new additions before the window closes, if they are to have any chance of turning things around, rather than being dismissed from their roles.
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