Graham Potter Responds to West Ham Dismissal as Nuno Espírito Santo Appointed Successor

Graham Potter has broken his silence following his sacking as West Ham United manager, as the club confirmed Nuno Espírito Santo as their new head coach.

Potter, along with five members of his backroom staff, was dismissed on Saturday morning – just two days before West Ham’s Premier League trip to Everton. The Hammers’ board said the decision was taken because “results and performances over the course of the second half of last season and the start of the 2025/26 season have not matched expectations”.

In their statement, West Ham also confirmed the departures of Assistant Coach Bruno Saltor, First-Team Coaches Billy Reid and Narcís Pèlach, Lead Goalkeeping Coach Casper Ankergren, and Goalkeeping Coach Linus Kandolin. The board thanked Potter and his staff “for their hard work during their time with the Hammers” and wished them success in the future.

Potter, appointed in January after Julen Lopetegui’s short 22-game tenure, managed just three more matches than his predecessor. West Ham have started this season with one win and four defeats from their opening five fixtures.

Speaking via the League Managers Association, Potter admitted his disappointment at leaving so soon:
“I am incredibly disappointed to be leaving West Ham United Football Club, particularly without being able to achieve what we set out to achieve at the start of our journey in East London. I do however fully acknowledge that the results have just not been good enough up to now.

“Firstly, thank you to the board for offering me the opportunity to manage the team during the past eight months. It was an honour and a privilege to manage such a historic club, which holds such strong values for footballing traditions and passion for the game.

“I’d like to thank all the staff at the club who made me feel so welcome, the playing squad for their continued efforts during my time – and lastly the fans, who have been so supportive during what has been a difficult journey at times. I wish the club nothing but the best of luck for the future. Thank you and goodbye for now. Come on you Irons.”

West Ham moved quickly to secure Potter’s replacement, confirming shortly before 3pm on Saturday that Nuno Espírito Santo had signed a three-year deal to take charge.

The former Nottingham Forest, Tottenham Hotspur, and Wolverhampton Wanderers boss will lead the team for the first time against Everton at Hill Dickinson Stadium on Monday night.

“I am very pleased to be here and very proud to be representing West Ham United,” Nuno said. “My objective is to work hard to get the very best from the team and ensure that we are as competitive as we possibly can be. The work has already started and I am looking forward to the challenge ahead.”