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West Ham Discussions For Potter Backup But Lamps Wouldn’t Have Been One

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West Ham linked with Frank Lampard

I’ve never been a fan of the international break so soon after the beginning of the Premier League season. As football fans, you just start to get into the rhythm of club football again, the transfer window closes, and then suddenly everything stops.

For West Ham, the timing has been unfavourable once again, with the club forced to pause momentum after a good win against Nottingham Forest. Then there’s the injury to Niclas Füllkrug, his second while on international duty for Germany.

Lampard is an average coach at best

But there’s another indicator that always accompanies the September international break—and that’s the headline-grabbing, ridiculous rumour. I suppose it’s a natural result of websites and newspapers scrambling around for stories, but even by usual standards, reports linking Frank Lampard with Graham Potter’s job are ludicrous.

Even Sullivan wouldn’t appoint Lampard . . . would he?

Let’s be honest: David Sullivan and Karren Brady are more than capable of making underwhelming appointments. However, even by their standards, Lampard would be madness.

Lampard has currently taken Coventry City to the dizzy heights of fifth in the Championship with two wins and two draws.

The former West Ham midfielder did an okay job at Derby County but ultimately failed to deliver promotion. He was tasked with steering Chelsea through a transfer embargo during his first stint at the club and, to be fair, steadied the ship without being exceptional.

West Ham boss Potter is unlikely to be under threat from Lamps

His next two forays into management were failures—first as Everton boss and then as caretaker manager at Chelsea in his second stint. To sugar-coat it slightly, Lampard is an average coach who has achieved nothing of note.

I’ve little doubt the story linking him with Potter’s job was fabricated, but it was a strange one to invent. Perhaps it was designed to rile Hammers fans—but it failed because the report was so unbelievable.

That said, I’m certain conversations have been had at West Ham regarding Graham Potter’s future, and no doubt names have been discussed behind the scenes. I just doubt Lampard’s was ever one of them.

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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.

2 comments

  • Taffyhammer says:

    Super Frank Lampard would be a great appointment. Not just at the moment, though. Graham Potter isn’t finished yet.

    Frank would bring in the staff he requires to make a team worthy of the name West Ham United. Unlikely to be Premier League champions in the first few years but a dynasty in the making.

    He has been around the block. Gained wonderful experience in difficult management positions. Won plenty as a player. An England regular hero. Playing for world class managers and observing their successful methods.

    He has known all of our legends over the last 40 years. He is a stick of West Ham rock. I would be delighted if we could line him up to take over from Graham Potter in the fullness of time.

    Win – win. COYI

  • John says:

    Sullivan only sacks managers when he needs a scapegoat to take the heat off himself.

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