The Hammers Identify Slaven Bilic and Nuno Espírito Santo as Potential Successors for Under-Pressure Potter
The London club are weighing up a move for former manager the Croatian coach if they opt to part ways with their current head coach, who is facing increasing scrutiny after a poor start to the season.
Increasing Alarm at Board Level
The club find themselves in the relegation zone in the Premier League, with four defeats from their first fixtures. There is growing alarm among club officials, although owner David Sullivan has not made a change at this stage.
Contingency plans are under discussion, including the former Hammers boss along with ex-Nottingham Forest manager Nuno Espírito Santo under consideration. Sean Dyche is another linked with the position.
Nuno’s Availability
Uncertainty remains whether the Portuguese manager would be willing to taking on a new job so soon after his departure by Nottingham Forest. Reports suggest a breakdown between him and chairman Evangelos Marinakis soured, leading to his sacking last week.
Despite this, he led Forest into continental competition during the previous campaign.
The Croatian Connection
Slaven Bilic has strong ties with the club, having both played and manager the Irons. His first season in charge coincided with their last season at their historic ground, where he guided the team to seventh-place finish and Europa League qualification.
However, following the relocation to the London Stadium, performances declined he was eventually replaced after a difficult spell.
Despite this, Bilic bears no ill will and would consider coming back as an interim appointment.
Broader Challenges
West Ham face a shortage of suitable managers currently unemployed, which may influence their decision. Sullivan typically favors appointing out-of-work coaches.
Since parting ways with David Moyes, then the Spanish coach, the team has struggled for consistency. Potter has won just 11 of his 24 games since his appointment.
Fans have grown restless, amid demonstrations against the board growing in intensity.
Signing Struggles
Potter could argue that long-term transfer missteps have hampered his task. West Ham had to sell key players such as the Ghanaian this summer for financial reasons.
Yet, some within the club have doubts about if the manager and his team his assistant made the right signings, particularly the pursuit of Leicester’s the shot-stopper.
Defensive issues, particularly from set pieces, have persisted, compounding the pressure before matches against Crystal Palace, Everton, and Arsenal.
