3 hours ago
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West Ham’s concerns over Nuno Espírito Santo’s financial demands could open the door for Slaven Bilic to replace Graham Potter, who is clinging on to his job after a dreadful start to the season. David Sullivan, West Ham’s largest shareholder, is considering his options after defeat against Crystal Palace on Saturday and is widely expected to sack Potter soon. No decision has been made and, as it stands, the former Chelsea manager will be in charge for the trip to Everton next Monday.
The feeling inside and outside the club is that Sullivan’s lack of clarity over his next move has provided Potter with a reprieve. West Ham have held informal talks with Nuno about taking over but sources have cautioned that the former Nottingham Forest manager could be too expensive. There are also indications that the is prepared to wait for another job should West Ham prove unwilling to agree to his terms.
Some figures around Sullivan are pushing for him to turn to Bilic and ask the Croat to step in until the end of the season. Bilic, who has been out of work since leaving the Saudi Pro League club Al-Fateh last year, managed West Ham between 2015 and 2017. He is open to returning and there is a feeling that the 57-year-old could be a galvanising force.
Bilic has assessed West Ham’s squad and is thinking about his backroom team. There is a possibility of him asking the former West Ham captain Mark Noble to help him. Noble became West Ham’s sporting director after retiring, but has shown little indication that he is interested in coaching. Bilic will also consider asking the former West Ham defender James Collins to be part of his backroom staff.
Gary O’Neil, the former Wolves manager and West Ham midfielder, is interested in replacing Potter, who has recorded six wins from 25 games since being appointed last January. Sullivan will not hire a manager who does not have Premier League experience.
The decision to retain Potter after the Palace game is not seen as a sign of faith in the 50-year-old. Sources have indicated that West Ham, who are 19th after four defeats from their first five league games, do not want to make a change without having a replacement lined up. Potter may be given until the international break next month, by which time they will have had trips to Everton and Arsenal.
He has struggled to implement his style and has failed to organise his defence. West Ham, who were knocked out of the Carabao Cup by Wolves last month, have conceded seven times from corners this season. There is bewilderment at the team’s lack of organisation. It is also felt that West Ham’s recruitment was not good enough this summer.
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If Potter goes then his recruitment chief, Kyle Macaulay, would also be expected to leave. Potter and Macaualy are entitled to argue they were working with a tight budget and inherited an unbalanced, ageing squad from Julen Lopetegui.
Many on the board believe Potter should already have been sacked, but the final decision is down to Sullivan, who is facing renewed calls from supporters to step down. An estimated 3,000 fans demonstrated against Sullivan and the vice-chair, Karren Brady, before the Palace game. Further protests are planned.
