Exclusive; Sensational coach emerged as favourite to replace Graham Potter as West Ham send invitation

Graham Potter Under Intense Pressure at West Ham Following Poor Start

West Ham United manager Graham Potter is facing growing scrutiny after a disappointing start to the season, with pressure reaching new heights following their heavy London derby loss to Tottenham on Saturday.

Despite an impressive 3-0 away win over Nottingham Forest before the international break — with goals from Lucas Paqueta, Callum Wilson, and Jarrod Bowen — the Hammers crumbled by the same scoreline against Spurs. Goals from Pape Sarr, Lucas Bergvall, and Micky van de Ven sealed a routine win for Tottenham, deepening the crisis for Potter at the London Stadium.

The defeat highlighted a troubling trend under Potter, who now holds the second-worst win percentage of any West Ham manager in Premier League history. Since his appointment on January 9, the club has posted the poorest top-flight record of any Premier League team not relegated last season — with only Leicester City, Southampton, and Ipswich Town faring worse over the same period.

Defensive issues are also mounting, with West Ham conceding 11 goals so far — their worst defensive start to a Premier League campaign since the Avram Grant era in 2011, which ended in relegation.

Given the alarming statistics, internal discussions are reportedly underway at West Ham over a potential managerial change.

Possible Replacements Already Lined Up

According to journalist Alan Nixon, former Wolves and Spurs manager Nuno Espirito Santo is among the candidates being considered, with West Ham chairman David Sullivan said to be an admirer. Nuno is currently available after his departure from Nottingham Forest.

The club has also reportedly approached Coventry City manager Frank Lampard, a former West Ham player who has rejuvenated his coaching career in the Championship, narrowly missing out on promotion last season.

Another name linked with the role is Jose Mourinho, the decorated former manager of Chelsea, Real Madrid, and Roma, who recently left Fenerbahçe.

Kieran McKenna Now a Leading Contender

According to journalist Wayne Veysey and Football Insider, Ipswich Town boss Kieran McKenna is now emerging as the leading candidate for the West Ham job. Speculation intensified after McKenna was spotted in the West Ham boardroom during their loss to Spurs — reportedly as a guest of the club.

McKenna’s willingness to leave Ipswich for the Premier League remains uncertain, but his track record has certainly caught West Ham’s attention.

Why McKenna Could Be a Smart Choice

McKenna is considered one of the brightest young managers in English football. He led Ipswich to consecutive promotions from League One to the Premier League, although the club was relegated last season. Before West Ham’s interest, McKenna was reportedly on Chelsea’s shortlist to replace Mauricio Pochettino, before they ultimately appointed Enzo Maresca.

A former youth player at Tottenham who retired early due to a hip injury, McKenna has also coached at Manchester United and Spurs at the youth level. Liverpool legend John Barnes has described him as a “sensational” tactician.

Despite a sluggish start to the current Championship season, Ipswich recently secured their first win — a dominant 5-0 victory over Sheffield United — which could be a turning point. Even so, McKenna may be tempted by a quick return to Premier League football.