West Ham United’s dressing room has made its feelings known about who they believe should remain in charge, as Graham Potter battles to keep his job ahead of a pivotal Premier League fixture this weekend at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
According to respected media reports, Potter is under enormous pressure, with suggestions that if his team fails to deliver against David Moyes’ Everton, or in the subsequent clash with title contenders Arsenal, club chiefs led by David Sullivan may decide to issue the 50-year-old with his dismissal papers.
The West Ham hierarchy are said to be weighing up whether to sack Potter in the aftermath of these two upcoming matches.
Should the axe fall, his successor would be expected to take charge against Brentford at the London Stadium on October 20—a game seen as a far kinder introduction for any new boss (ExWHUemployee).
The decision, however, could hinge on what happens on Merseyside against Moyes’ Everton.
What is absolutely clear is that results cannot continue in their current direction if the board are to avoid further fan unrest.
Defensively, the situation is dire. The Hammers have shipped more goals than any other side in the Premier League so far, with an alarming seven of their 13 conceded goals coming directly from corners.
This vulnerability has only piled additional scrutiny onto Potter’s coaching methods and the team’s preparation.
Aside from a surprise 3–0 victory away at Nottingham Forest before the last international break, West Ham have lost every league fixture this season.
Their most recent outing ended in bitter disappointment, as Crystal Palace snatched all three points with a stunning Tyrick Mitchell volley that sealed a 2–1 win at the London Stadium.
With pressure mounting, the club has begun drawing up a shortlist of possible replacements.
The names linked are varied and include Nuno Espírito Santo, Slaven Bilic, Gary O’Neil, Marco Silva, and Sean Dyche.
Reports suggest that Nuno is currently leading the race, largely due to his free-agent status and his impressive work stabilising Nottingham Forest.
Bilic, however, is believed to be a strong contender too, with suggestions that he has already begun planning his backroom staff (ExWHUemployee).
Bilic’s relationship with Sullivan could tip the balance in his favour. The Croatian remains a personal favourite of the West Ham co-owner and is said to maintain regular contact.
Having managed the club between 2015 and 2017, he oversaw one of their best Premier League finishes—seventh in his debut campaign.
Yet, despite the pedigree of Bilic and the other names mentioned, reports from The Telegraph indicate that none of these options have resonated with the current playing squad.
Instead, senior West Ham players are privately backing Potter to continue. As revealed by journalist Matt Law, some of the club’s most influential figures have confided in close friends and family members that they still trust the former Chelsea and Brighton coach to turn the tide.
This belief extends beyond the inner circle. Other squad members have spoken positively about Potter to acquaintances outside the club, reinforcing the idea that player loyalty towards him remains strong.
Sky Sports’ Kaveh Solhekol has echoed this sentiment, explaining on air that the atmosphere around Rush Green remains calm and supportive.
“The mood at the training ground is very positive,” Solhekol reported. “It’s calm and settled. Potter retains strong backing among the squad.
Naturally, in any club there will always be a few who are dissatisfied, but overall the players are united in their determination to return to winning form.”
The reality of football, however, is that circumstances shift rapidly. Two positive results against Everton and Arsenal could convince the West Ham hierarchy to persist with Potter, particularly given the visible player support.
At the same time, the sport is unforgiving: popularity in the dressing room counts for little if performances and points remain elusive.
Potter now faces a crucial test of his managerial credentials. He must not only convince his players to keep fighting but also silence outside critics and prove to fans that he is the right man to take the club forward.
With demonstrations against the ownership intensifying, the atmosphere in East London is volatile.
The coming weeks will likely determine not just Potter’s future, but also the direction of West Ham’s entire season.
