Whispers

Brendan Rodgers for West Ham would be my preferred choice

I’m fully aware of the crassness in discussing the West Ham managers position following a win, but the Premier League is so close that things could look very different by next weekend.

The victory against Southampton at the London Stadium was a huge relief, but many of the problems which have blighted our season were evident during the game.

It’s also hard to ignore the fact that Hammers boss David Moyes has overseen a poor domestic campaign this season and remains under pressure. Top sources at West Ham have hinted for some time that the manager was only safe in his position due to a paucity of managerial candidates.

However, with the sackings of Brendan Rodgers and Graham Potter, there are now two options which match the boards criteria of having ‘Premier League experience’.

I view the two coaches very differently, and should Moyes lose against Newcastle on Wednesday and get  dismissed, it’s important the board choose wisely.

Potter is a project manager who probably requires a lot of time and behind the scenes support to gradually implement his vision. In essence it’s evolution rather than revolution from a quiet man with an unassuming personality.

Rodgers

Rodgers on the other hand is a motivator with a lot of charisma. Of course he has his own playing style and would get West Ham playing on the front foot but he would also immediately boost morale. Out of the two I think he’s more likely to inject that new manager bounce factor The Hammers so desperately need.

If West Ham go into the final 10 games of the season needing three wins I’d take Rodgers over former Chelsea boss Potter. Both play good football but Rodgers has the cutting edge and forceful personality that would benefit West Ham most in my opinion.

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Kris Gonzo (commonly known to the West Ham community as Gonzo) is the co-founder of Hammers Chat (established 2014) and the lead video content creator and columnist for Claret and Hugh.

With over a decade of professional sports media experience, he is a frequent West Ham United analyst and contributor for Sky Sports News, BBC Football Focus, and BBC Radio 5 Live. He previously served as an official video and content creator for West Ham United FC during the club's tenure at Upton Park and featured in the official documentary commemorating the historic final game at the Boleyn Ground.

A lifelong Hammer since the legendary 10-0 victory over Bury, when he isn't providing daily match analysis on the Hammers Chat YouTube Channel or broadcasting on X (@GONZObignose), he can be found walking his dog and restoring classic pinball machines.