New Delhi: When Graham Potter was appointed as West Ham head coach in January, there was a lingering sense that the decision lacked full conviction from the club hierarchy. Initially, the chairman, David Sullivan, preferred a short-term deal lasting only until the end of the season, which Potter declined. The Hammers then reportedly explored a long contract with a break clause while simultaneously considering other candidates, such as a former AC Milan boss, Paulo Fonseca and ex-Paris Saint-Germain manager Christophe Galtier.

Ultimately, Potter was appointed as Julen Lopetegui’s replacement but the move never felt unequivocal. Potter leaves with a forgettable record of six wins from 25 matches, fewer than the seven victories Lopetegui managed in just 22 games. His possession-based style,

See Full Page