Since the formation of the Premier League, in 1992-93 no English manager has ever won the title. The Premier League stands out as an anomaly, with leagues in Germany, Italy and Spain having a more balanced representation of domestic managers.
With Graham Potter’s appointment, West Ham are just the third Premier League club currently bucking the ‘overseas’ trend by employing an English manager, joining Eddie Howe at Newcastle United and Sean Dyche (who is under pressure at Everton): Ipswich’s Kieran McKenna was born in England but raised in Northern Ireland, and played for NI at youth level.
At a board level, given David Sullivan is still the majority shareholder, West Ham are one of five clubs owned by English people or companies.
Given the prevalence of foreign ownership, it should come as no surprise that the majority of managers do come from abroad. Few English coaches have pursued a managerial career overseas in recent years – Graham Potter, does however have experience in the European leagues. He made his name at Ostersund between 2011 and 2018.
West Ham fans will recall some mixed fortunes over recent years, with Slaven Bilic enjoying some success, while Julen Lopetegui’s and Manuel Pellegrini’s tenures ended in disappointment.
At 49 years old, Potter was linked to the England manager job post Gareth Southgate’s departure in 2024. Highly regarded in the football community he’ll be eager to take on the challenge at the London stadium.
Fans will be watching closely to see whether he can integrate some of the academy players into the first team with a renewed focus on British talent.
A senior source at the club has confirmed the manager will have a significant role in both incoming and outgoing transfers. Eight days into the transfer window Potter will need to act fast on any decisions in order to shape the team, and meet the contract extension targets.
All of us at Claret & Hugh wish him well in his endeavours and hope that everyone backs him for the remainder of the season.
West Ham United enjoyed the most successful period in their history under one of the finest gentlemen to ever grace the beautiful game in the wonderful Mr John Lyall.
In Graham Potter I believe the Club have appointed someone who can follow in the great mans’ footsteps and I sincerely hope that all who have this amazing institution in their heart can get behind Mr Potter and support him wholeheartedly in his endeavours.
I wish him, the players and all concerned every success going forward – COYI!
I think give the right backing, Graham Potter is a fantastic choice to move the team/club forward and get us playing like a premier league outfit. His enthusiasm energy and passion is something that is desperately needed. His vision and drive will do wonders with bringing on some great academy talent. We have united in our name. Now let’s see it in practice, right from the board room through to the pitch.
Let’s all go Potty. I really hope he can turn this club around.
Starting with performances and a few points.
I don’t expect miracles.
I’d love to see youth get a fair crack, European teams have no worries it seems.
By the the time Sullivan finds out it’s another wrong appointment and going to cost him more money it will be too late we will be relegated We have gone from a rock to a hard place
Give it a rest
There’s always 1 killjoy, bore off
Great to see an English manager. Hopefully that’s a good thing for the academy boys too and ultimately the England team if we can bring a few homegrowns through. I’m sure Noble will inform Potter of who’s ready for it.
Let’s hope our squad are Potty trained come our next PL game next week. Wishing Floppy all the best for his future. More so I want to apologies to him for the way my clubs board have behaved, unacceptable!! Onwards and upwards…..COYI!
Let’s be honest…he’ll be backed as long as results and performances improve…anything less and it won’t take long for the media and this site to start the negativity.
Yep let’s get behind him ..fresh start …first thing keep our players well our best ones ..
Great appointment