West Ham United dismissed Graham Potter on 27 Sept. 2025 with club 19th in Premier League. Board cites “results not matching expectations”, fan unrest & fiery press-conference blame-game as immediate triggers. Six wins in 25 games, eight-match home winless run, Nuno talks underway.

Graham Potter lasted just 267 days at West Ham, winning six of 25 league games and failing to lift the club off 14th. A wretched home record, passive playing style and a fiery press-conference blaming the board convinced owners to pull the plug 48 hours before Everton. Nuno Espírito Santo is expected to be appointed within 72 hours, tasked with averting a first relegation since 2011.

Graham Potter Gone 48 Hrs Before Everton Clash

West Ham announced Potter’s immediate departure at 09:14 BST on Saturday, 27 September 2025, barely 48 hours before Monday’s trip to Everton and just nine months after his appointment in January. The entire coaching staff – assistants Bruno Saltor, Billy Reid, Narcís Pelach and goalkeeper coaches Casper Ankergren & Linus Kandolin – also exited.

Official Club Statement – Key Extract

“Results and performances over the course of the second half of last season and the start of the 2025-26 campaign have not matched expectations… The Board believes a change is necessary to improve the team’s position as soon as possible.”

The Grim Numbers That Sealed His Fate

Metric	Potter at West Ham
Games	25
Wins	6 (24 %)
Losses	14
Goals scored	27
Goals conceded	48
Home winless run	8 (last victory 24 Feb 2025)
2025-26 start	3 pts from 5 matches, 19th place

Only Avram Grant (2010-11) boasts a lower win rate in West Ham’s Premier League history.

Timeline of Collapse – From “Project Potter” to P45

3 Jan 2025 – Appointed after Julen Lopetegui sacked; club 14th.
8 Mar – Famous 1-0 win at Arsenal; fans chant “He’s the one”.
May – Season ends 14th; board back him with £87 m summer spend (new striker, DM, GK).
16 Aug 2025 – 5-1 home humiliation vs. Chelsea; boos ring out.
20 Sept – 3-0 loss to Spurs; fan forums demand change.
22 Sept – 2-1 home defeat to Crystal Palace; away fans sing “Sacked in the morning”.
26 Sept – Potter’s pre-Everton presser hints board failed him; owners decide “he’s inflamed an already volatile situation”.
27 Sept 09:14 – Sacking confirmed; Nuno Espírito Santo lined up.

Two Immediate Triggers – Sources Inside Boardroom

Results vs. Investment – £87 m outlay but zero identity; side bottom-three in expected goals (xG), shots faced & defensive-actions-per-minute.
Press-Conference Rift – Potter’s remark “I’m not the problem” seen as public blame-shift to owners; Sullivan, Kretinsky & Brady “took exception”.

Fan Reaction – “Not Just Potter”

Supporters’ group WHUFC Faithful released statement Monday:

“Potter had to go, but this is the ninth manager sacked in 15 years under Sullivan – structural rot remains.”
Protests planned before Everton game calling for board overhaul.

Who Next? – Nuno Espírito Santo Expected

Talks held twice with Nuno since 19 Sept; legal settlement with Nottingham Forest finalised overnight 26 Sept.
Contract offer: 2½-year deal, option for further year; salary c. £4 m plus survival bonus.
Interim solution: academy director Mark Robson will take training until official unveiling Tuesday 30 Sept.

What Experts Say – Tactical & Cultural Failing

Sky Sports’ Peter Smith:

“Potter’s West Ham allowed more passes before intervening than any PL side – then ranked third-bottom for direct attacks. It was passive, risk-averse football ill-suited to London Stadium crowd expecting aggression.”

The Guardian’s Jonathan Liew:

“Same old West Ham cycle: short-termism, no sporting director, scatter-gun recruitment. Potter becomes another firefighter burned by the flames.”

Compensation & Financial Fall-Out

Potter payoff: remainder of 2½-year contract = ~£6 m lump sum.
Staff exits add £1.2 m.
Nuno compensation to Forest already settled; no extra fee.
Relegation clause inserted in Nuno deal: 40 % salary drop if club goes down.

Quick-Fire FAQ

Q: Did player power play a part?
A: Dressing-room sources deny formal revolt, but senior pros “baffled” by lack of set-piece work – West Ham have conceded league-high 9 goals from corners this term.

Q: Is relegation likely?
A: Bookmakers cut West Ham relegation odds to 4-6; Opta model gives 42 % drop probability, highest in club’s Premier League history.

Q: Could Potter return to Brighton?
A: Brighton hierarchy rule out U-turn; Chelsea also unlikely while Maresca rebuilds. International job (USA?) mooted by pundits.

Key Quotes

Potter (final presser, 26 Sept.):
“Of course I’m the right man… we need alignment across the club.”
David Sullivan (club statement):
“We thank Graham for his hard work and wish him every success.”
Nuno (via agent):
“Honoured by interest; talks positive – hope to conclude soon.”