The new approach dictating Potter’s success and West Ham’s future

When Graham Potter landed the job as West Ham manager in January 2025 he stated that he had inherited a good squad.

However by the of the season, cracks had begun to show – issues with certain players and rumours of behind the scenes altercations. There was also speculation surrounding Edson Alvarez’s absence from  three key games due to a “back issue” despite reports suggesting he was fit and available. El Machin denied these rumours stating “It was a back problem that I’d been carrying for a few games. I’m a West Ham player and feel very happy at the club”

German forward Niclas Fullkrug gave a blunt assessment of the situation, after a 1-1 draw against relegated Southampton. He pointed to a mindset issue, saying players needed to better adhere to the managers instructions.

The problem seemed to stem from the fact that Potter’s most notable success came at Osterunds, where he managed a small squad with minimal egos, full of players willing to learn and develop.

Potter thrives with players who respond well to detailed tactical guidance and are open to new systems, with a focus on mental resilience, understanding that mistakes will happen. Indeed he has previously said that his ideal player is versatile, has strong positional awareness, technical ability and a relentless work ethic – a team player through and through.

West Ham’s new approach?

Given this, it’s surprising that he has not fully utilised someone such as Andy Irving. Irving is a box to box player with a good work rate and versatility. Arguably not an elite ball carrier, the one capped Scottish international does have a good range of passing and is comfortable with the ball at his feet – which is key for Potter’s style of building from the back and maintaining possession. With the right coaching, he could be an invaluable squad player going into the new season.

West Ham fans may need to come to terms with a new reality. The targets are under-radar signings, players with potential or those that can be moulded into roles. Potter priorities system over stardom. That said going into the new season there can be no excuses if West Ham fail to progress from their 14th place finish last season – yet hopefully a more stable and consistent team could emerge over the coming months.

However, critics will point to the soon to be confirmed Kyle Walker Peters signing on a ‘free’ as being evidence that nothing has really changed and David Sullivan gets his way with older Premier League journeyman: The next couple of signings will show whether West Ham really are heading forwards or backwards.