West Ham sack head coach Graham Potter, appoint Nuno Espirito Santo
West Ham United have parted ways with head coach Graham Potter after just nine months in charge.
Potter, who replaced Julen Lopetegui as head coach on a two-and-a-half-year contract in January, has been unable to turn the fortunes around at the London Stadium, with the club second-bottom of the Premier League.
A club statement on Saturday morning - two days before their game at Everton - read: "West Ham United can confirm that head coach Graham Potter has left the club.
"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, and the board of directors believe that a change is necessary in order to help improve the team's position in the Premier League as soon as possible."
West Ham said the process of appointing a replacement was "underway", with Nuno having left Nottingham Forest less than three weeks ago.
Potter was sacked after winning just six of 23 Premier League games.
West Ham finished last term in the same 14th position they were when Potter replaced Lopetegui, but this season the club have recorded just three points from five league games, with Saturday's 2-1 home loss to Crystal Palace proving the final straw.
Potter replaced Julen Lopetegui in January, but West Ham have gone backwards since then.
The former Brighton and Chelsea boss struggled to deliver consistent performances in the second half of last season as West Ham limped to a 14th-placed finish - the spot Lopetegui had left them in. They are now 19th and any hope of a boost from a pre-season with Potter and a squad overhaul this summer has already vanished.
Meanwhile, West Ham United have confirmed Nuno Espirito Santo as their new head coach after sacking Graham Potter. The Hammers parted ways with the Englishman just two days before the Premier League clash with Everton.
Potter had been under pressure since the start of the season after a poor end to the 2024/25 campaign. Following disappointing results, West Ham currently find themselves 19th in the Premier League table.
The surprise timing of his dismissal had pointed towards a replacement being in place, and the club have now confirmed that Espirito Santo has been appointed. He is expected to take charge of Monday night's game at Everton.
Nottingham Forest sacked Espirito Santo at the start of the month after just three games. Ange Postecoglou replaced him, but the Portuguese is now back in management.
He led Forest to a seventh-placed finish last season, earning them a spot in European football for the first time in nearly years. The report states that he will sign a three-year deal at the London Stadium.
A club statement read: "West Ham United is delighted to announce the appointment of Nuno Espírito Santo as the Club’s new men’s Head Coach. Nuno has signed a three-year contract with the Hammers and will take charge of his first match on Monday evening when we travel to Everton in the Premier League.
"He arrives at London Stadium having put together a hugely impressive coaching career, most recently leading Nottingham Forest to European qualification via a seventh-place Premier League finish and the FA Cup semi-finals last season. A multiple league title and cup winner as a player with FC Porto and coach with Wolverhampton Wanderers and Saudi Pro League club Al-Ittihad, the 51-year-old is among the most highly respected coaches in the modern game.
"Nuno brings his outstanding coaching ability, tactical acumen and leadership qualities to West Ham United and is looking forward to getting down to work in east London."
