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Talk over the future of West Ham United manager Graham Potter continues amid a difficult start to the new Premier League season. The Hammers fell to a 2-1 home defeat against Crystal Palace on Saturday to leave them in 20th place in the Premier League table.
So far this campaign, the team has won just one and lost the other four of its five games. These results and performances have led to questions about Potter's future.
The 50-year-old arrived at the London Stadium back in January, but has failed to have an impact at the club. With relegation fears creeping in, there has been talk that a change could be on the horizon. Here’s a look at the latest reports around the manager’s future and possible replacements.
West Ham decision
West Ham have reportedly decided to stick with Potter for now, for what could be a ‘stay of execution’ for the manager.
According to TalkSPORT, chairman David Sullivan is considering waiting until the international break to make a managerial change. Therefore, Potter will take charge of the upcoming away games against Everton and Arsenal.
The first of those games sees the Hammers come up against former boss David Moyes. The report adds that a heavy defeat in that game could ‘accelerate’ the decision over Potter’s future.
Replacement shortlist
Amid speculation over Potter's future, many different names have been linked to the role. The same report from TalkSPORT names three potential candidates.
Former manager Slaven Bilic, former Nottingham Forest boss Nuno Espirito Santo and former Wolves manager Gary O’Neil are reported to be three options for the club.
Bilic is said to be willing to take a short-term deal should he return and could include Hammers legends James Collins and Mark Noble in his backroom staff.
Demand sent
Former Premier League striker Troy Deeney has hinted that West Ham need a change, with Potter not the right type of coach for the club.
“You’re bringing in players that are used to losing to this West Ham and saying ‘right, now we’re going to change the culture of it’,” he said.
“How with people that are used to losing? Mentally it just doesn’t make sense.
“At home in London derbies they’re getting battered, absolutely annihilated.
“So how do we expect that he (Potter) is the motivator, what’s he saying that gets you going, what’s the message? (Is he really saying) ‘Oi you, get your socks up, let’s go and have it’. I just don’t think he’s that person.
“I feel sorry for him because he looks like a nice guy. But I think certain teams require a certain manager.
“West Ham need somebody that they go ‘That’s our guy, he gets it, he’s one of us’… I think West Ham are in trouble, I think they’re going to stay up because I think Wolves are worse, but they’ll just stay up because a couple of teams are bad.”
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