West Ham sack Potter with Hammers in crisis and ex-Prem boss replacing him

GRAHAM POTTER has been sacked by West Ham despite taking training all week.

And SunSport understands that Nuno Espirito Santo has agreed to replace Potter in East London.

3 Graham Potter has been sacked by West Ham Credit: Alamy

3 Nuno Espirito Santo has emerged as the leading contender for the job Credit: PA

Last Saturday's dismal 2-1 defeat to Crystal Palace marked the Hammers' third consecutive home loss.

It was also their fourth defeat in five league games this season.

And Potter has now been shown the door after failing to turn things around in east London.

He said after the announcement: "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 8 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 and 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."

Potter's classy words came a few hours after the club announced he was going.

A statement 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.

"The Club can confirm that Assistant Coach Bruno Saltor, First Team Coaches Billy Reid and Narcis Pelach, Lead Goalkeeper Coach Casper Ankergren, and Goalkeeper Coach Linus Kandolin have also left with immediate effect.

"The Board would like to thank Graham and his coaching staff for their hard work during their time with the Hammers and wish them every success for the future.

"The process of appointing a replacement is underway. The Club will be making no further comment at this time."

Unusually for a manager about to be sacked, Potter conducted a pre-match press conference on Friday.

Having spoken to club chiefs since last weekend's defeat, Potter said yesterday: "Yeah [they were] positive talks, but of course we all understand where we are at and we want to improve.

"If results aren't good, which they haven't been, then there is always speculation, noise and negativity."

Hammers fans protested against the club's board before kick-off last weekend.

Former West Ham boss Slaven Bilic was linked with a sensational return to the club.

But it is former Forest boss Espirito Santo that has agreed to accept the post.

Ironically it was a 3-0 home defeat to Potter's Hammers which led to the former Wolves and Tottenham boss receiving the boot at the City Ground.

SunSport understands that Hammers chiefs held talks with Espirito Santo BEFORE the defeat to Palace.

Nuno will take charge of Monday's trip to Everton.

Potter joined the capital side in January as a replacement for Julen Lopetegui .

But he failed to get his Hammer side firing, winning just six of his 25 matches and losing 14 in the process.

Speaking after the defeat to Palace, Potter urged West Ham to "stick together".

He said: "It's tough, the results are not what we want at all.

"I feel for the players, supporters, everybody connected with the club. We have to stick together and find a solution."

"I didn't hear anything (about sack chants from fans) but I understand the frustrations. People are entitled to their opinion.

"I have no complaints at all about the club or the support we've had, but I understand the results are not positive.

"We have to accept that and change it around. We need to improve find that balance and solution.

"Of course I'm disappointed for the players, for the supporters at the moment, it's tough at the moment.

"Everyone connected with the club feels pressure as the results are not good. You have to face it up and ensure we're stronger next week, as simple as that.

"The only way is hard work with the players. They are going through a tough moment and we have to find the right balance and the right solution.

"Everyone is finding it tough, it's not an easy situation."

3 West Ham have endured an awful start to the season Credit: Getty