West Ham may have to make a move for Graham Potter now after the Wolves defeat
West Ham could soon sack Julen Lopetegui. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
Wolves’ 2-1 defeat by Ipswich Town on Saturday could have a huge impact on West Ham as Gary O’Neil faces a ban following the setback at Molineux.
A last-minute goal from Jack Taylor secured all three points for The Tractor Boys, who have left Wolves sitting 19th in the Premier League table after winning just two of their 16 games.
This can be the end of O’Neil at Molineux as the English coach was already under heavy pressure before facing Ipswich.
Losing to a relegation contender is not looking for the former Bournemouth boss and could see the Premier League side move for Graham Potter next week.
According to the Daily Mail, Wolves are actively seeking replacements for O’Neil and are believed to have held tentative talks with Potter last month. The former Chelsea boss is believed to be unsure of the role but could be persuaded by those at the club.
The signing of Potter would have a huge impact on West Ham, with vice-chairman Karren Brady keen to have the England manager at the London club instead of current boss Julen Lopetegui.
Karren Brady wants Graham Potter at West Ham
Like O’Neil, Lopetegui is under pressure at West Ham as the Hammers currently sit 14th in the Premier League after winning five of their 15 games. The Spanish manager’s reign has been underwhelming so far after the London club spent more than £120m on new signings in the summer to help the Irons return to European football.
That hasn’t worked out for the former Wolves manager and according to the transfer pundit Ben JacobsBrady is pushing Potter for the West Ham manager’s job behind closed doors.
The reporter claims that there is still a very real possibility that West Ham will sack Lopetegui in the next two weeks, depending on results, with Potter remaining on the top list alongside other names such as Matthias Jaissle, Massimiliano Allegri, Edin Terzic and Conceicao.
There are problems behind the scenes at West Ham
The ex-Chelsea manager’s experience in the Premier League will give him a huge advantage over the other contenders, as will his attractive style of play.
The The West Ham job is likely to appeal more to Potter than Wolves given the differences in resources, but the more time passes, the more likely the English manager can take on the challenge at Molineux.
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