West Ham have parted company with head coach Graham Potter after a disappointing run of results.
Potter, appointed in January on a two-and-a-half-year deal to succeed Julen Lopetegui, failed to arrest the club’s slide and leaves with the Hammers struggling near the foot of the Premier League table.
In a statement, the club said: “West Ham United can confirm that Graham Potter has left his role as head coach.
“Results and performances in the latter half of last season and at the start of the current campaign have not met expectations, and the board believes a change is required to improve the team’s position as quickly as possible.”
The news comes just two days before West Ham are due to lock horns with Everton on Monday night.
Potter was once seen as one of the brightest managerial talents from Britain, with some even tipping him to be England manager one day.
Over the past two years, however, his stock has fallen considerably.
After working wonders at Brighton during his stint at the Amex Stadium, the 50-year-old was appointed as Thomas Tuchel's successor at Chelsea in 2022.
Graham Potter struggled to get good results during his stint as West Ham manager
| REUTERSPotter had big shoes to fill, with Tuchel previously steering the Blues to Champions League glory at the expense of Manchester City the previous year.
Yet his time at Stamford Bridge failed to live up to expectations and he was axed in April 2023, with Frank Lampard drafted in on an interim basis.
West Ham turned to the Briton in January because they felt he'd represent an upgrade to Lopetegui.
Now, however, he's been relieved of his duties with the Hammers currently sitting 19th in the league table.
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Nuno Espirito Santo is the frontrunner to take charge at West Ham
| PAPotter's staff have also left. The Hammers' statement added: "The Club can confirm that Assistant Coach Bruno Saltor, First Team Coaches Billy Reid and Narcis Pelach, Lead Goalkeeper Coach Casper Ankergren, and Goalkeeper Coach Linus Kandolin have also left with immediate effect.
"The Board would like to thank Graham and his coaching staff for their hard work during their time with the Hammers and wish them every success for the future.
"The process of appointing a replacement is underway. The Club will be making no further comment at this time."
Former Nottingham Forest boss Nuno Espirito Santo is the frontrunner to take charge, having been axed earlier this month.
Slaven Bilic, who managed West Ham between 2015 and 2017, is another name in the frame.
Bilic has been out of work ever since leaving Saudi Pro League side Al-Fateh last year.
And given how popular he was during his time with the Hammers, a sensational return could be on the cards.
Sean Dyche, Gary O'Neil, Scott Parker and Frank Lampard are also in the running to take over.
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Graham Potter will now look to rebuild his reputation following his departure from West Ham
| REUTERSAs West Ham prepare to face Everton on Monday, they'll be seeking immediate improvement.
They've won just one of their five matches this term, with only Wolves having a worse record.
Potter's final game was ultimately last Saturday's 2-1 defeat to Crystal Palace at the London Stadium.
Jean-Philippe Mateta gave the Eagles the lead in the 37th minute of the match.
Jarrod Bowen then levelled for West Ham to give Potter hope of saving himself.
But Tyrick Mitchell struck in the second half to give Oliver Glasner's team all three points.