West Ham United have officially named Graham Potter as their new manager following the departure of Julen Lopetegui earlier this week. The 49-year-old former Brighton and Chelsea boss has signed a two-and-a-half-year contract with the club.

Potter takes over a team currently sitting 14th in the Premier League, with six wins this season and seven points clear of the relegation zone. Despite the challenges ahead, the new manager expressed optimism about the club’s potential.

“I’m excited to be here. I believe this is the right fit for me and for the club,” Potter said. “We share the same values, focused on hard work and high energy to build a foundation for success.”

Potter’s managerial journey includes a notable tenure at Brighton, where he led the team to an impressive ninth-place Premier League finish in 2022. His subsequent stint at Chelsea ended in April 2023, but he remains highly regarded for his tactical acumen and player development.