Graham Potter was far from the top of my list to be West Ham’s next manager once it became clear that Julen Lopetegui would be receiving his marching orders.
In truth, the former Brighton boss wasn’t even in my top five candidates, and like many West Ham fans, I was suspicious that he was appointed just because he was available and cheap.
However, slowly but surely, I have come around to the thinking that Potter could be exactly what West Ham need right now.
Whilst results have not improved greatly since his arrival, the manner in which West Ham are playing has improvedānot from a stylistic point of view, but because, for the first time in at least 12 months, the team are beginning to control large periods of play in matches. The players on the pitch are displaying a togetherness that wasn’t evident before.
West Ham’s new boss Graham Potter has got the players onside
Moore than a new manager bounce
Many of the West Ham squad have spoken about how much they are enjoying training, revealing how clear and concise the instructions are from the new Hammers gaffer. But one only has to listen to Potter being interviewed to understand how cerebral and deep-thinking the man is.
The latest offering is a 49-minute podcast on West Ham’s official channel, which I would encourage everybody to watch using the link below. The podcast is hosted by Chris Skull and James Collins (Ginger Pele), who sit opposite Potter, who comes across extremely well.
I won’t spoil the contents of the podcast for you by quoting Potter in this blog, but just listening to the man puts me at ease that West Ham have found a manager willing to take the club by the scruff of the neck and drag us kicking and screaming into the future.
Whether he succeeds is uncertain at this point, but I, for one, would like to see the man given time. I don’t believe it will be easy or painless, but having listened to his vision for the club and the way he thinks about football, I do believe he is possibly the best chance of success we were ever likely to get following the dismissal of the last bloke.
You can watch the Iron Cast podcast here
Very impressive interview. Think weāve got exactly the right man here with potter.
Really enjoyable thought provoking interview with some great insights into Graham’s coaching style and his own expectations. He is far more focused on the individual and the unique characters within the squad, and what each of them brings to the team, which is really refreshing. The contrast between his management style and previous managers is very clear.
Loved seeing his ability to recognise his own mistakes, and the level of trust he places in his staff particularly Kyle and Nobes. Definitely needs to work on his music tastes though!
Agree but Taylor Swift is unforgivable!
Potter was always my first choice, if he had been given more time at Chelsea he would have turned them around they played well nearly every game but have terrible strikers that couldnāt hit a barn door with a banjo. He will need years with us to really turn it around though looking at his history at English Universities and Ostersunds, then latterly Brighton who have regressed since he left you can see he is a builder.
Letās hope we give him time CoYI!!!
Not usually one to comment on this site, but having now listened to the podcast, I seriously think this guy is going to drive this club in a very positive direction. Just got to hope Sullivan and Brady donāt step on his toes too much.
Not exactly the Frank Lampard we cried out for but time might show that Graham was the best choice of appointment that could have been made.
Just heard Dan Farke on telly and it crossed my mind that it is delightful to understand what Graham Potter says without any effort. I would imagine that everyone working at West Ham welcomes this ease of communication too.
Not that Dan Farke was bad but Julen Lopetegui was very hard work.
Makes so much difference. Hope the honeymoon continues and blossoms into a golden age for The West Ham Way.
COYI
Who cried out for Frank Lampard? There was no “we”, you are the ONLY one who cried out for him. You talk rubbish!
Lots of love to you too Roo.
I hope you are right and while not looking to put a downer on Potter especially has he has yet to have a fully fit squad I canāt help thinking that any improvements he tries to make will be thwarted by the meddling of Sullivan. Will anything actually change until the club has new owners?