Love and pride

  • by Staff Writer
  • Thursday, 9th January 2025

Graham Potter spoke of his "pride" after being unveiled as the new manager of West Ham United.

The successor to the recently-departed Julen Lopetegui, Potter addressed the media for the first time this morning as Hammers boss - and revealed just how pleased he was to be back in the game.


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"It's a proud day to be head coach of this amazing club," he began. "Big tradition, big history, big expectations, big challenge. I'm really excited, it's a bit like Christmas – Christmas for the adults.

"I'm looking forward to meeting the players today, meeting our supporters and getting going. It's been 20 months of a good rest, a good break and you can imagine in that time you speak to lots of people. Lots of conversations with different owners and different directors."

And addressing a question asking why he chose West Ham, having considered numerous offers in the wake of his Chelsea exit, Potter explained that the timing was right.


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"It was important that I chose the right option for me at the right time and as soon as I spoke to this club, it just felt right for me," he revealed. "It's an amazing club with a tremendous, loyal fanbase that is passionate, knowledgeable, knows their football and what they want. I think it's a good fit.

"My experience is that if you can build a team that is recognisable on the pitch, that the supporters identify with, are proud of and enjoy watching and you get that trust and connection between the players and the supporters, with everybody aligned, that's the key."

You may see how Potter's first day in the job went - which included meeting his new squad for the first time - below.




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