Let’s get this absolutely right from the start. I am no fan of former West Ham manager Graham Potter. I believe his appointment was a huge error, and the full implications of that decision have not yet been felt by both Karren Brady and David Sullivan.
Potter was, in my opinion, a coach who was over-promoted, did well in the right and conducive environment at Brighton & Hove Albion, but when tasked with leading a bigger club, fell at the first hurdle. I thought, as a coach, he was tactically naïve and, as a leader, lacked the necessary motivational skills.
I only make these points to highlight that I have no reason at all to defend Potter—but that’s precisely what I’m going to do following recent comments from Michail Antonio.
The striker said of his former boss: “Being at the club for 10 years, I would have thought they’d have given me an opportunity to prove myself. I felt it was mainly pushed by Graham Potter. I feel like he didn’t want anyone with any influence in the changing room to be there. I love the club.”
I love Antonio and am grateful for everything he did for West Ham. At his peak, in full beast mode, he was unplayable and would certainly be a huge asset in our current relegation struggle. Unfortunately, the truth is the player Potter inherited was a long way from that version.
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Reality behind Antonio’s West Ham exit
At 35 years of age, and having suffered a car crash it was a miracle he walked away from, Antonio simply wasn’t ready for Premier League football. Recent negotiations with Leicester City and Charlton would also suggest he may no longer be able to cope with the demands of the English game.
So, in this instance, I feel the need to defend Potter. It’s clear he is being made a scapegoat and blamed for the decline of Antonio’s career—but realistically, he is not at fault.
Antonio continued to train at the club’s facilities and was even allowed to build up his fitness with the under-21s. Personally, I don’t believe he was treated unfairly, and I suspect any manager in the Hammers hot seat at the time would have made exactly the same decision.
I understand why Antonio is bitter. It must be incredibly difficult to accept that your career is coming to an end. And he leaves with nothing but respect and gratitude from the West Ham faithful.
But the harsh reality is this: Antonio’s time at West Ham wasn’t cut short. At 35, after serious injury, it had simply reached its natural conclusion.