David Sullivan and Karren Brady, the club's owners, are facing a difficult decision. If they were to sack Potter, they would likely have to pay him for the remaining year and a half of his contract, which could be a costly move. The team's recent performance, with only one win in 25 games, has led to speculation that a change in management may be necessary.
The team's 47 matches under Potter and his predecessor, Julen Lopetegui, have resulted in 24 defeats, 10 draws, and 13 wins. This record has raised concerns about the team's ability to succeed under current management.
Former West Ham player and manager Slaven Bilic has emerged as a potential candidate to replace Potter. Bilic has a strong record with the team, having managed them during their final season at Upton Park and their first at the London Stadium. He has also managed other teams, including Al Ittihad, West Bromwich Albion, Beijing Guoan, Watford, and Al Fateh.
Bilic's record with West Ham is impressive, with 38 wins and 28 draws in his 101 matches in charge. He also scored 146 goals, a record that only David Moyes can match. However, his recent performances with other teams have been inconsistent, and it's unclear if he would be the right choice to lead the team out of its current slump.
Another potential candidate is Gary O'Neil, a former West Ham player who managed Wolverhampton Wanderers before being sacked in December 2024. O'Neil's record with Wolves was not impressive, with a 37.8% win percentage in his first season and a significant drop-off the following year. His ability to score goals, however, may be an asset to the team.
The third candidate is Nuno Espirito Santo, who was recently sacked by Nottingham Forest. His record in the Premier League is mixed, with a high win percentage in some seasons but also periods where his teams were outscored by the opposition. His defensive-minded style may not appeal to West Ham fans who prefer an attacking approach.
The decision to replace Potter will be a difficult one for the board, and fans are eagerly awaiting the outcome. With no clear frontrunner, the choice will depend on the team's needs and the owners' vision for the future.
