Frank Lampard tipped as West Ham manager replacement for Potter

Graham Potter’s future at West Ham United is hanging by a thread after a nightmare start to the Premier League season. The Hammers have lost four of their opening five matches, with last weekend’s 2-1 defeat to Crystal Palace piling further pressure on the under-fire coach.

With trips to Everton (30 September) and Arsenal (4 October) looming before the next international break, whispers of a managerial change are growing louder. Reports suggest the West Ham hierarchy have already discussed alternatives, including Nuno Espirito Santo and Slaven Bilic.

However, former Scotland winger Pat Nevin has argued that Frank Lampard should also be seriously considered, despite his complicated history with the club and its fans.

Nevin insists Lampard deserves more respect for his managerial record, pointing to positive spells at Derby County and Everton, and his willingness to rebuild his reputation at Coventry.

“I thought he was harshly treated at Chelsea — I thought he did a good job,” Nevin said. “He kept Everton up, which was not easy. At Coventry, he showed he’s willing to get his hands dirty. That’s a guy who wants to work, he cares about it, he loves it.”

Nevin believes early resistance from West Ham fans would quickly fade if Lampard made a winning start: “There’d be a wee bit of stick at the start, but if he won the first three or four games, the stick would go.”

While speculation continues, Potter is not without backing. The Telegraph reported that several senior players have rallied around the manager, urging the board to allow him more time. The squad is said to be united behind his vision, even as fan frustration grows.

Potter’s next two fixtures could prove decisive. Failure to pick up points against Everton and Arsenal may push the club into making a change before the break.

FootballPlace analyst John William says West Ham must weigh risk against reward:

“Potter’s project is still in its infancy, but results speak loudest in the Premier League. If he cannot steady the ship quickly, the board will be forced to act. Lampard’s name makes sense — he knows the league, he’s shown resilience at difficult clubs, and he would be motivated to prove himself again.”

He added: “The real question is whether West Ham’s fans could embrace him. Success tends to heal old wounds, but a rocky start could make the atmosphere toxic.”

Potter still has a chance to save his job, with Everton away representing a winnable fixture before the daunting trip to Arsenal. A strong showing in these games could ease the pressure and silence talk of change.

If results continue to disappoint, however, the West Ham board may be forced into action, with Lampard, Nuno and Bilic all on the radar. For now, Potter has one last opportunity to prove his methods can deliver in east London.

👉 Should West Ham take a gamble on Frank Lampard if Potter fails, or is fan hostility too big a risk?