Next West Ham manager: Nuno leads race if Potter is sacked

Pressure is rapidly building on Graham Potter at West Ham United after a 2-1 defeat to Crystal Palace left the Hammers with just one win in their first five Premier League fixtures. The former Chelsea manager has struggled to stamp his identity on the squad, with defensive fragility and a lack of cutting edge sparking fears of a relegation battle.

According to sources close to the club, West Ham’s board are already sounding out alternatives in case Potter is dismissed. The list includes experienced Premier League operators, ex-West Ham favourites, and younger managers with long-term upside. Here, Football Place assesses the leading contenders.

Nuno Espirito Santo is currently regarded as the frontrunner. Fresh from guiding Nottingham Forest to seventh place and European football, his stock remains high despite a controversial exit from the City Ground.

A pragmatic coach who thrives on counter-attacking football, Nuno could suit West Ham’s current squad, especially given their struggles defensively. His track record of transforming Forest from relegation candidates into European qualifiers in under two years makes him an appealing option.

Slaven Bilic is being mooted as a possible short-term caretaker. A cult hero at West Ham as both player and manager, Bilic last coached in England with Watford in 2023 before a spell in Saudi Arabia.

While Bilic would provide familiarity, his appointment risks being seen as a nostalgic step backwards. Still, if the club opts for a stopgap to stabilise the season, Bilic remains in the frame.

Gary O’Neil has been out of work since leaving Wolves in December 2024 but retains credit for keeping Bournemouth up in 2022/23 when they looked certain for relegation.

O’Neil’s reputation is that of a coach capable of organising teams to survive, though questions remain about consistency and set-piece vulnerabilities. For West Ham, however, his proven ability to rescue struggling clubs makes him a credible candidate.

The former Burnley and Everton boss offers perhaps the most reliable route to safety. Dyche is renowned for instilling defensive discipline and maximising limited resources.

Although his football can be pragmatic and sometimes unpopular, his immediate results and resilience in tough circumstances would be a strong selling point for a West Ham board desperate to avoid the financial and sporting hit of relegation.

Seen as a wildcard option, Michael Carrick impressed at Middlesbrough with progressive football, though he ultimately failed to win promotion and departed in the summer.

Carrick’s West Ham academy roots and reputation for developing young players could make him a popular appointment with fans. However, his lack of Premier League managerial experience would make him a high-risk choice given the Hammers’ current precarious position.

FootballPlace analyst John William believes West Ham’s board are torn between pragmatism and long-term vision. “In Nuno and Dyche, you have proven managers who can secure Premier League safety. In Carrick, you have a project coach who could build something lasting if given time. The problem is, Potter was also seen as a long-term appointment, and the board may not have the patience to try that route again if results don’t improve soon.”

The Hammers’ board are expected to monitor results over the next two fixtures before making a final decision on Potter’s future. Upcoming games against Everton and Arsenal in the Premier League will be crucial.

If results do not improve, pressure will grow for a change in the dugout. Whether West Ham opt for a safe pair of hands like Dyche or gamble on an exciting but risky project coach like Carrick could define the direction of the club’s season — and perhaps its long-term future.

👉 Who do you think should replace Graham Potter if West Ham decide to act — Nuno for stability, Dyche for pragmatism, or Carrick for long-term vision?