Joe Cole has criticised West Ham United’s board for what he described as dithering over Graham Potter’s dismissal, claiming the club left their former head coach “exposed” before finally acting.
Potter’s departure was confirmed on Saturday with the Hammers sitting 19th in the Premier League, just 48 hours before their crucial clash with Everton.
His exit came after only 25 matches in charge, during which West Ham managed just three wins in their last 15 league games.
The club’s statement said results and performances since the second half of last season had “not met expectations” and that a change was required to improve their position.
Nuno Espírito Santo is expected to be announced as Potter’s successor, with the board hopeful his pragmatic, defence-first approach can tighten a backline that has conceded heavily throughout the early part of the campaign.
Cole, who made 126 appearances for West Ham after graduating from their academy, questioned why the board delayed making the call when it was clear Potter was under mounting pressure.
“The timing is unusual two days before a game but the writing was on the wall for Graham,” Cole told TNT Sports.
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Graham Potter was sacked by West Ham on Saturday
|REUTERS
“To lose three London derbies the way they did wasn’t good enough. I don’t think he was given enough backing, particularly in this transfer window.
“They should have gone, ‘If you’re our guy, here’s your plan, what players do you want?’. Instead, they dithered and were never sure if he really was the man for the job.”
Potter’s reign was marred by heavy defeats and growing unrest among supporters.
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Nuno Espirito Santo is the frontrunner to take charge at West Ham following Graham Potter's sacking
| PAWest Ham began the campaign with a 3-0 loss at newly promoted Sunderland and were thrashed 5-1 at home by Chelsea.
Their EFL Cup exit to Wolves only intensified the pressure before last weekend’s 2-1 defeat to Crystal Palace at London Stadium proved to be the final straw.
Cole suggested that Potter had been hired on the promise of a long-term rebuild but was never given the tools to deliver it.
“He came in at a difficult time for the club,” Cole added.
“I’d imagine the conversation was about restructuring, changing the style of play, bringing in the players he wanted, but that never materialised. Ultimately, results went the wrong way and the club had to act.
“I wish him the best in the future and hope West Ham can turn things around.
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Joe Cole had two spells at West Ham during his playing days
|GETTY
“If I was in charge, I’d invest in the academy and get the right type of player for the manager.”
Cole believes Nuno is a sensible appointment, describing him as a manager who can quickly make West Ham harder to beat.
“Nuno is more defensive and that’s what they need right now,” he said. “When fans are walking out of games, it’s not good. They need someone who can make them believe again.”
Peter Crouch echoed Cole’s view, claiming “the writing was on the wall” for Potter weeks ago. Nuno will have just two days to prepare his new team before facing Everton, followed by a daunting trip to Arsenal.