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West Ham told manager who is perfect fit, and it's not Bilic or Nuno

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Monday, September 22nd 2025 at 16:28 GMT by Talksport
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West Ham’s next‑manager dilemma: Who could take the reins after Potter?

The West Ham United press conference that closed the summer of 2023 left more questions than answers for the Hammers’ faithful. A talkSPORT article that ran in the middle of the week laid out the landscape of the Premier League’s London club’s future – and its possible new head coach – after the departure of Graham Potter. The piece drew on a handful of familiar names and a growing list of rumours to paint a picture of a club at a crossroads.

1. Potter’s departure and what it means for the club

Graham Potter, who took the reins in the summer of 2021, has managed to keep the Hammers competitive – a feat not easily replicated by many clubs in the same position. Yet his side has struggled to reach the top half of the table, finishing 11th in the 2022‑23 campaign and only scraping into the top‑six spot on the last day of the season with a last‑minute goal. The talkSPORT piece notes that the board is under increasing pressure from fans and sponsors to accelerate the club’s progress.

In the article, a West Ham board representative says the club’s ambitions go beyond a mid‑table finish – they want European football and a “solid identity on the pitch.” The question is who can deliver that under the current financial constraints and with a squad that has not yet reached its full potential.

2. A shortlist of possible candidates

The article lists five names that have entered the conversation – a mixture of proven Premier League experience and a fresh outlook that could fit with the club’s ambitions.

The article highlights that the board would likely favour a manager who can “make a Hammers squad into something that fans can believe in.” That could mean a pragmatic, defensive manager like Dyke or a tactically astute thinker like Bilic or Espirito Santo.

3. Fan sentiment and the club’s culture

One of the article’s key points is the split in fan sentiment. The more vocal section of the supporters’ base calls for a “change of culture” – they want a manager who can deliver results and “play something that you can enjoy.” Others, in particular the “West Ham family” supporters, prefer a “long‑term project” that might mean sticking with Potter and developing young talent.

The piece references a 2023 fan poll that put Dyke as the top favourite for a new manager, with a 28 % share of the vote, followed by Bilic and Espirito Santo. The poll also noted that 65 % of respondents said they would support the club even if it meant a mid‑table finish if the manager was “doing everything right.”

4. The financial angle

West Ham’s budget is still recovering from the pandemic‑related cash crunch. The talkSPORT article points out that the club’s financial viability will ultimately dictate who can be hired. “We can’t just sign a big‑name manager who costs a lot in wages and a transfer budget that we can’t afford,” says a club insider quoted in the piece.

In that light, the board is looking at managers who can work within a modest wage structure, develop young players, and improve squad efficiency. Potter and Bilic, both known for a more “economical” approach to the game, may have an advantage over the more expensive options.

5. Potential next steps

The article ends on a cautiously optimistic note. It notes that the board will have a meeting in early September to decide the next steps, and that an initial shortlist will be announced shortly thereafter. In the meantime, Potter’s future remains uncertain – the board may renew his contract if the club can’t find a manager who meets the financial and cultural requirements.

The piece invites readers to follow the West Ham website and the club’s social media channels for official announcements. It also suggests watching the “West Ham – The Next Chapter” documentary, which will be released in October, for more behind‑the‑scenes insight into the club’s managerial search.

Bottom line

West Ham United is at a pivotal moment: the club’s board must decide between sticking with an established system under Graham Potter or turning to a fresh face that can bring new ideas and a competitive edge. The five names highlighted in the talkSPORT article each have a unique proposition. The board’s decision will ultimately hinge on a blend of financial pragmatism, fan expectations, and the club’s long‑term vision. For now, the fans and pundits alike are waiting to see which name will be the one to make the Hammers a true force in the Premier League again.