West Ham transfer news

Subterms

    Latest story

    225 Shares28 Views

    Lucas Paqueta facing weeks out with ankle injury that could see him miss four crucial West Ham clashes

    by

    LUCAS PAQUETA is facing up to a month on the sidelines with an ankle injury.The West Ham midfielder, 27, limped out of training at the London Stadium on Tuesday as Graham Potter’s side prepare to face Arsenal this weekend.Crocked Hammer Lucas Paqueta could miss four Prem gamesCredit: RexGraham Potter’s West Ham squad has been plagued by injuriesCredit: GettyPaqueta had only just returned from a groin injury which saw him miss the Hammers’ defeat to Chelsea.The Brazilian was assessed on Wednesday by club medics and is facing three to four weeks out.That could see Paqueta miss the next four West Ham games, with Potter’s side facing Arsenal, Leicester, Newcastle and Everton before mid-March.Paqueta started up front against Brentford, with new man Evan Ferguson on the bench as he continues to recover from his own ankle injury.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLPotter is having to deal with an ever-growing injury list.The ex-Chelsea boss has only been able to play Paqueta, Jarrod Bowen and Mohammed Kudus together once since replacing Julen Lopetegui last month.Bowen has returned from a broken foot, but Michail Antonio will not play again this season.Meanwhile, summer signings Crysensio Summerville and Niclas Fullkrug are both sidelined with hamstring injuries.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSVladimir Coufal also missed Saturday’s defeat to Brentford through injury.Antonio has been working on his recovery from his horror car crash in December, with a training camp in Dubai last week.Declan Rice’s cringeworthy Valentine’s Day pick-up lines re-emerge in incredible video years before Arsenal transfer The plague of fitness issues has sparked talk of the Hammers showing interest in Tammy Abraham.The ex-Chelsea forward, 27, is on loan at AC Milan from Roma.But it’s reckoned the 11-cap Englishman would ultimately prefer a return to the Prem.And a permanent summer switch back to Britain could be on the cards. More

    More stories

    • 188 Shares58 Views

      in Soccer

      Declan Rice’s cringeworthy Valentine’s Day pick-up lines re-emerge in incredible video years before Arsenal transfer

      by

      DECLAN RICE may not want to look at his phone today as he could be bombarded by Valentine’s Day messages.But rather than loved-up posts, it may be friends poking fun of him in an old video.Declan Rice starred in a video saying cringeworthy pick-up linesRice looks very different to his 19-year-old selfCredit: GettyRice is in a long-term relationship with Lauren Fryer and they have a son togetherCredit: Instagram @laurenfryer_Back in 2018, Rice, recorded some cringeworthy chat up lines for a West Ham social media post.The first line from the then 19-year-old was: “Do you know what my shirt is made of? Boyfriend material.”The second was: “Do I know you? Because you look exactly like my next girlfriend.”The final cringeworthy line was: “Do you believe in love at first sight? Or should I walk by again?”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLRice would go on play for the Hammers for another six years, playing 245 times and becoming a regular for the England national team in the process.His final appearance for the East London club saw him win the club’s first trophy since 1965 by winning the Europa Conference League while wearing the captain’s armband.Rice then joined Arsenal in 2023 in a transfer worth up to £105m.In all that time, Rice has found his Valentine by being in a relationship with childhood sweetheart Lauren Fryer, whom he started dating in 2015.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSRice quietly confirmed the birth of his first child with Lauren after showing off a tattoo on his arm which read “Jude Rice” along with the astrology symbol for Leo and the date of his son’s birth, 7 August 2022.Unfortunately, Lauren has suffered disgusting abuse from trolls on social media, which saw her wipe her Instagram account clean of all of her pictures. ‘Now everyone’s calling me it…’ – Declan Rice reveals hilarious new nicknameDani Dyer, the partner of Rice’s former team-mate Jarrod Bowen, launched a passionate defence of Lauren in an interview with Fabulous Magazine in November last year.Ex-Love Island star Dyer said: “It was so hard for her, the trolling, as she doesn’t put herself out there.”I think it’s harder when you are not in [the celebrity world] and you are being personally attacked. I found that hard.”She is a really good mum, who keeps to herself. No one deserves to be criticised like that.”So, attacking a girl because of what she looks like, in this day and age, I don’t agree with it.”Rice has once again starred on the pitch for Arsenal this season, playing 33 times in all competitions so far this season.He is likely to be in action for the Gunners next game as they travel to Leicester in the Premier League.ARSENAL PLAYER RATINGS: Saliba will be having nightmares about Isak as Lewis-Skelly is only Gunners star to show upARSENAL were humbled by Newcastle at St James’ Park as the Magpies beat them 2-0 to secure a spot in the League Cup final.The North Londoners knew they needed to take an early advantage if they were to overturn the 2-0 defeat at the Emirates.But Jacob Murphy was on hand to put the Magpies a goal ahead after Alexander Isak’s shot rebounded off of the post and out to him.Shortly after the break, Anthony Gordon doubled the lead to all but confirm a second League Cup final in three years for Eddie Howe.Here’s how SunSport’s Gary Stonehouse rated the Gunners.David Raya – 5Stitched Declan Rice right up for the second goal.And that absolutely killed this as a contest for his side.Jurrien Timber – 6Tried to get forward and support the attack early but soon found himself dropping deeper to avoid being caught on the counter.Tough night for the Dutchman up against Gordon in front of the red-hot home crowd.William Saliba – 4Let frustration get the better of him when he got himself booked for grabbing Anthony Gordon’s shirt.And the winger almost embarrassed him again at the start of the second period when he caught the defender sleeping, nicked the ball from him, but could only shoot wide.The usually assured star will be having nightmares of Gordon and Isak.Gabriel Magalhaes – 6Another who struggled to contain Toon’s two pacey attacking threats but did fair slightly better than his usually formidable partner.Myles Lewis-Skelly – 7Another assured performance from the full-back in a raucous atmosphere.Could not be faulted for any of the goals and showed flashes off his potential despite the humbling.Martin Odegaard – 6Everything Arsenal did try came through the skipper.Although he loses a mark as things could have been a very different story if he had finished his first half effort had hit the inside rather than outside of the post.Thomas Partey – 6Plenty of running about but very little to show or product for his efforts.Declan Rice – 6Looked to take a knock late in the first half and continued to struggle on after the restart.Was hung out to dry by his goalie for the second goal and he did keep pushing until the very end.But it was a disappointing night for the England star and his partner Partey as they came up short against Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes.Gabriel Martinelli – 5Struggled to get past big Dan Burn during his brief time on the pitch.And his night was brought to an abrupt end when he limped off before the break.Kai Havertz – 4Outmuscled, outbattled and outthought but Svan Botman and Fabian Schar.Produced zilch on an evening when he and his team-mates lacked creativity and ideas.Leandro Trossard – 5Many will have been fancying him to cause some problems for the 34-year-old Kieran Trippier but the veteran had him in his pocket all night.Arteta had seen enough by the hour mark and opted to let Raheem Sterling have a go instead.Subs usedEthan Nwaneri (37 mins for Martinelli) – 6Desperately tried to inject some pace and threat into the faltering Arsenal attack but the task proved too much for the young Gunn.He should have plenty more big occasions to look forward to though in his career.Mikel Merino (70 mins for Odegaard) – 5The game was already done and dusted when he entered the fray for battle.Some nice touches, but like those before him, he couldn’t produce anything for the visitors.Raheem Sterling (61 mins for Trossard) – 4Got half an hour to try and get at Trippier but, just like Trossard before him, he was not given an ounce of joy.Riccardo Calafiori (78 mins for Timber) – 4Was brought on simply to get some minutes in his legs.Jorginho (78 mins for Partey) – 4See above. Little chance to make an impact with the game well and truly over. More

    • 275 Shares89 Views

      in Soccer

      I was on Jobseeker’s Allowance and earning £60 a week – I never thought I’d end up playing in the Premier League

      by

      JORDAN HUGILL used to sign on the dole and queue up every two weeks for his giro.And when he did get a job — pulling pints in a Middlesbrough boozer — the idea of becoming a professional footballer felt like a pipe dream.Jordan Hugill never thought he’d make it to the PremLittle did he expect he would rack up 412 appearances —  and 92 goals.Rotherham striker Hugill went from earning £120 a fortnight to a reported £30,000 a week.And he is proud of a career that saw him get a £10million move to West Ham and £5m switch to Norwich, play in the Prem and win promotion from the Championship with the Canaries as well as from League One with Preston.Now the 31-year-old has his heart set on helping the Millers return to the Championship and win the EFL Trophy.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSHugill — who has appeared for 17 different clubs in his 15-year career — said: “When I was 19, I was on Jobseeker’s Allowance so I’ve been on one hell of a journey.“Back then I never thought I would be a footballer, let alone make it to the Premier League.“That’s something no one can take away from me. I’m proud of what I’ve done and achieved and I’d like to think I’ve still got a good number of years to go.”Hugill hit rock bottom after damaging his ACL while playing for non-league Whitby and was out for ten months. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAnd his gloom was only exasperated by being out of work.He added: “I didn’t have a job, was visiting an NHS physio and it was at that point I said, ‘I can’t do this any more’ so got a job behind the bar at The Dickens Inn in Middlesbrough.EFL star, 24, ‘REFUSES to show up for game’ over transfer speculation weeks after shocking Premier League side“I worked as a barman for two years before getting my big break at Port Vale.”But after playing for the Valiants and Preston — as well as doing the hard yards on loan at the likes of Tranmere and  Hartlepool — he got another massive opportunity thanks to David Moyes.Seven years ago yesterday Hugill completed his move to West Ham   during Moyes’ first spell with the club — a brief six-month relegation firefighting mission.Hugill said: “Moyes was brilliant with me. He understood I wasn’t a signing that was going to  light the world on fire.I didn’t have a job, was visiting an NHS physio and it was at that point I said, ‘I can’t do this any more’ so got a job behind the bar at The Dickens Inn in Middlesbrough.Jordan Hugill“He knew with time he was going to develop me, so I was working with him every day to improve, and I got to be the best I’ve ever been.“Then at the end of the season they didn’t renew his contract, and I was left in the dark when Manuel Pellegrini came in.”After loan spells with West Brom and Cardiff, Hugill joined Rotherham two years ago — and helped the club stay in the Championship before they eventually went down last summer.This season he has mainly been used as a sub in the league.Striker Hugill joined West Ham for £10million in 2018He has come off the bench 14 times while making four starts — managing  a single goal against Stevenage back in October.Hugill is expected to be on the bench again as the Millers travel to leaders Birmingham today, sitting seven points off the play-offs.However, he has featured prominently in the EFL Trophy games — scoring four goals from four starts.And he hopes to shoot Rotherham into the semi-finals by beating League Two opponents Bradford at New York Stadium on Tuesday.Hugill continued: “I’ve enjoyed playing in the trophy games because I’ve not only been starting, I’ve been scoring too.“When I look back on my career, I’ve achieved an awful lot.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I’ve got a Championship winners medal, I’ve got a League One promotion medal, I’ve got a nice case with a ball in it  that says I’ve made a Premier League appearance.“It would be great to add another medal to that collection.”Hugill was given a chance by David Moyes during his first managerial stint at West Ham More

    • 200 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Meet Kaelen Casey, 20, West Ham’s old-school centre-half with a passion for defending like England legends

      by

      THERE is nothing more West Ham fans like to see than one of their own stepping up and shining from the academy.Since Declan Rice emerged in 2017 there have been glimpses of others coming through – and there are now high hopes for young defender Kaelan Casey, who could be close to starting in the Premier League under Graham Potter.Kaelan Casey replacing Angelo Ogbonna for his Premier League debut in May 2024Credit: GettyCasey (right) was on the bench for West Ham’s 2-0 defeat by Crystal PalaceCredit: RexCasey celebrating with the FA Youth Cup in 2023Credit: GettyCasey (right) with fellow West Ham academy graduate George Earthy at Upton Park tube station as kidsThe old-school defender has been compared to former England captain Terry ButcherCredit: RexHow do they play and who do they remind you of?Like all young defenders, Casey is confident on the ball and happy to play out of the back.However, those who watch the youngster closely often say there is a more old-school feel about the 20-year-old.Casey has a real passion for defending and has picked the brains of some of the best around West Ham.He has been compared to greats of the past such as Martin Keown or Terry Butcher given his more aggressive and safety-first approach to defending.READ MORE IN BOY WONDERSTell us about their rise…Casey was on the West Ham radar from the age of five and joined their famed academy aged eight.He has been guided through the ranks by some of the Hammers’ finest, leaning on advice from former captains Rice and Mark Noble at times.Academy coach Kevin Keen has also been a huge influence, while Angelo Ogbonna – who he replaced for his Premier League debut – also took a keen interest in Casey’s development before departing at the end of his contract last summer.Paul Nevin and Kevin Nolan, both first team coaches under David Moyes, have worked with Casey at both club and international level.Most read in FootballBefore making the step up to the senior team in East London – Casey had a huge moment with the Under-18s, scoring in their FA Youth Cup final win over Arsenal at the Emirates in April last year.Julen Lopetegui took a shine to the youngster, opting to include him in the first team rather than sign experienced defender John Egan on a free this summer.Boy Wonders: Is Southampton star Tyler Dibling the new Grealish?The Spaniard has now been replaced by Potter and the crisis at the back means Casey might be thrust into the starting XIWhat are the experts saying?After promoting Casey to the senior ranks permanently, Lopetegui liked what he saw.The former Hammers boss said: “Casey is a good player, a good profile and academy profile.”He is working very well with us and we are happy with him.”He’s trained well, he conducts himself well, he wants to learn, he wants to improve… so he’s an option.GRAHAM POTTERPotter said: “He’s been training with us. He’s done well.”Obviously, we haven’t had too many full training sessions, so I can’t give you a full assessment of him.”But in the training sessions that we’ve had, he’s trained well, he’s done well.”It’s a big step, obviously, into the Premier League. But again, he’s someone that is well thought of.”He’s trained well, he conducts himself well, he wants to learn, he wants to improve. So he’s an option.”What does the next 12 months hold?Interest in Casey has already been knocked back, with German club Hoffenheim – playing in the Europa League this season – making an approach in the summer.But Casey is firmly focused on graduating from the Academy of Football and making his name in east London.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Hammers’ early-season struggles meant Lopetegui was less likely to take a risk at the back.But West Ham’s limited pool of just three senior central defenders means that when injuries and suspensions bite, the big opportunity may come along.MORE BOY WONDERSHere are some more in our Boy Wonders series More

    • 288 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      West Ham ready to cut losses on £20m flop who has played just 43 minutes all season as Potter starts to clear decks

      by

      WEST HAM are in talks to sell Luis Guilherme to a Saudi Arabian side just six months after signing him for £20million.The 18-year-old arrived from Palmeiras to much fanfare but has played just 43 minutes across five sub appearances this season.West Ham could sell Luis Guilherme just six months after signing himCredit: RexCashing in on him would raise funds for new boss Graham PotterCredit: PAThe Hammers need to raise funds to make signings for new boss Graham Potter this month and may cut their losses on Guilherme.Saudi clubs were interested in the Brazilian during the summer and West Ham pushed hard to bring him to London over the Gulf, with the player saying a move to the Premier League was a “dream” come true.Al-Ittihad and Al-Qadsiah are both showing an interest in the versatile attacker.Former boss Julen Lopetegui backed Guilherme to make the step up to competing in the Premier League soon.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHowever, despite being short on attacking talent, new boss Potter opted to start central midfielder Carlos Soler on the left in the 3-2 win over Fulham on Tuesday night.Soler scored one and played a role in setting up Tomas Soucek’s goal too.West Ham are desperate to land a striker this month following injury to Niclas Fullkrug, who joins Michail Antonio, Jarrod Bowen and Crysencio Summerville on the injury list.Talks have been held over a move for Nottingham Forest’s Taiwo Awoniyi, while RB Leipzig’s Andre Silva is also under consideration.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThey would like to sign Brighton’s Evan Ferguson but the Seagulls are yet to decide whether or not to loan him out.Potter has also identified the midfield as an area in need of improvement, and wants to add a ball-playing holding midfielder this month.Graham Potter is appointed the new manager of West Ham Chelsea duo Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Carney Chukwuemeka have been linked with moves across the capital.Julen Lopetegui’s disastrous reignBy Jack FiggJULEN LOPETEGUI replaced David Moyes in May 2024 ready to start a new reign at West Ham – now it’s over before it even got started.The former Spain manager arrived in London with the experience of working with big stars – but his reputation in England needed mending. He won the Europa League with Sevilla in 2020 – joining Wolves two years later. But Lopetegui left after one season having guided Wolves to 13th but walking out over their financial constraints. Following a year out of work, the ex-Real Madrid player agreed to take over from Moyes – who only 12 months earlier led them to the Europa Conference League trophy. But Lopetegui got off to a horror start to life in London, going winless in his first four matches.That is despite spending £123m on signings with the likes of Maximilian Kilman, Niclas Fullkrug and Aaron Wan-Bissaka arriving in the summer.And Lopetegui’s tenure hit an all-time low following a 5-0 loss at home to Liverpool and 4-1 defeat at Man City. The Hammers board had seen enough and started to draw up potential replacements after deciding to sack Lopetegui. More

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Graham Potter fits in with modern east London culture and can create togetherness at West Ham, says Karren Brady

      by

      IN ALL MY years in football, taking the decision to part company with a manager has never been an easy, straightforward, or enjoyable task.Regardless of the fact that it is an unavoidable, familiar part of the game, or that it is a call made purely for sporting reasons, there remains a sense of sadness and disappointment, on a human level, that things haven’t worked out as you had hoped.Karren Brady insisted Julen Lopetegui was sacked for sporting reasonsCredit: GettyLopetegui left with the club in 14th position in the Premier LeagueCredit: ReutersGraham Potter has been hired as the Spaniard’s replacementCredit: GettyAt West Ham United, we have always taken as much care and pride in recruiting the ‘man’ as we have in recruiting the ‘manager’.And so we were disappointed that things didn’t work out with Julen Lopetegui.A good man, a family man, an extremely hard-working man, who was a pleasure to deal with and wanted to be successful here as much as we wanted him to be. We wish Julen and his staff, who worked so well with our team on and off the pitch, all the very best in their future endeavours.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLUltimately though, we have an ambitious project at this football club, and we have a responsibility to our loyal and passionate supporters to do all we can to keep that on track.In Graham Potter, we have recruited another very good man, a hugely respected elite Premier League coach, and someone who was the unanimous choice of our Board to steer our project back in the right direction.From our early conversations with Graham, we felt the overwhelming sense that he is the right fit for West Ham United, as are we for him.As Graham himself has said, since leaving Chelsea 20 months ago, he has been waiting for and carefully considering the right opportunity, seeking the challenge and project that would re-ignite the feeling of excitement and anticipation that would inspire his return to top-flight management.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSWe are delighted that, despite being highly sought-after by some of the biggest clubs in Europe, he has discovered that feeling with West Ham United.Graham understands and shares our principles – that hard work, togetherness and commitment breeds progress and success.Where it went wrong for Julen Lopetegui at West HamGraham Potter’s managerial careerA brief look at Graham Potter’s managerial career to date…2008 – 2011: Leeds Beckett University Carnegie2011 – 2018: Ostersund 2018 – 2019: Swansea City2019 – 2022: Brighton and Hove Albion2022 – 2023: ChelseaHe was attracted by our ambitious project and the steps we are taking to reach our objectives. And he has found common ground with the core values that our supporters and the people of east London hold dear – a family culture, a sense of belonging to a clear identity, and a dedication to hard graft and craft.Modern east London is a thriving, exciting hub of innovation combined with tradition.A creative centre of opportunity and chance, especially for young people. Graham has already spoken with Mark Noble about his desire to engage with and maximise the talent of our world-renowned Academy – something that is embedded so deeply into the fabric and soul of our club.As Graham has shown throughout his successful coaching career so far, he is adept at building on strong foundations and creating a culture of togetherness, spirit and trust so that, regardless of the outcome of a single 90-minute football match, everyone connected with the club feels a part of something bigger and more significant.Of belonging to an identity that continuously fosters pride, honour and belief.  We believe that the right foundations are in place for further success in the future at West Ham United.It is only 18 months ago that we enjoyed European glory and, while that night in Prague will never be forgotten, there is a genuine and fierce hunger at this club to ensure that we continue to work as hard as possible to build and create more outstanding memories.READ MORE SUN STORIESGraham Potter shares that ambition.That is why we didn’t hesitate to hand him a two-and-a-half-year contract, and that is why we firmly believe we have appointed not only a good man, but the right man for West Ham United.Graham Potter’s Premier League return Graham Potter is back in the Premier League nearly two years on from his Chelsea sack.Potter has replaced Julen Lopetegui at West Ham following the Spaniard’s horror start to the season.It ends Potter’s 20-month wait for a job, having also been linked with the Manchester United and England jobs.The former defender started his coaching career in 2011 in Sweden with Östersunds FK – winning league and cup competitions.He then took over at Swansea in 2018 for one season in the Championship – finishing in 10th.Potter left Wales after just a year to replace Chris Hughton at Brighton where he would make his name.His best finish with the Seagulls was ninth place in 2022 but he joined Chelsea just months later in the September.Potter had replaced Thomas Tuchel, just a season after the German won the Champions League at Stamford Bridge.But Potter was axed seven months into the job with Chelsea left sitting in 11th. More

    • 263 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      West Ham want shock Marcus Rashford transfer as Graham Potter looks to lay down gauntlet with raid for Man Utd outcast

      by

      WEST HAM have reportedly entered the race to sign Marcus Rashford – just hours after appointing new boss Graham Potter.The wantaway Manchester United striker has barely featured under Ruben Amorim at Old Trafford. West Ham are keeping tabs on Man Utd striker Marcus RashfordCredit: RexGraham Potter has been announced as the Hammers’ new managerCredit: GettyEngland forward Rashford, 27, has been frozen out by Ruben AmorimCredit: ReutersRashford’s future has been up in the air since admitting last month he is “ready for a new challenge.”The 27-year-old forward hasn’t featured in the Premier League since December 7.West Ham announced Potter on Thursday as their new manager after sacking Julen Lopetegui.According to talkSPORT, the Hammers have now “asked to be kept informed” of Rashford’s situation. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLPotter talked about building on “strong foundations” as he was unveiled by the club.The ex-Brighton boss said: “I am delighted to be here. “It was important to me that I waited until a job came along that I felt was right for me, and equally that I was the right fit for the club I am joining. “That is the feeling I have with West Ham United.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”My conversations with the chairman and the board have been very positive and constructive, we share the same values of hard work and high energy to create the solid foundations that can produce success.”We are on the same wavelength in terms of what is needed in the short-term and then how we want to move the Club forward in the medium to long term.”Rashford is also reportedly a shock target for Tottenham, who are eying up a surprise loan move.Which football clubs could Marcus Rashford join?Marcus Rashford has struggled at United this seasonAny move away will likely hinge on how much of Rashford’s £325,000-a-week wages United are prepared to pay.Napoli, Juventus, AC Milan, Dortmund and ambitious Italian club Como have all been linked with a move for the Red Devils striker. Last month Rashford stunned the Old Trafford faithful by revealing his intention to leave.Graham Potter’s Premier League return Graham Potter is back in the Premier League nearly two years on from his Chelsea sack.Potter has replaced Julen Lopetegui at West Ham following the Spaniard’s horror start to the season.It ends Potter’s 20-month wait for a job, having also been linked with the Manchester United and England jobs.The former defender started his coaching career in 2011 in Sweden with Östersunds FK – winning league and cup competitions.He then took over at Swansea in 2018 for one season in the Championship – finishing in 10th.Potter left Wales after just a year to replace Chris Hughton at Brighton where he would make his name.His best finish with the Seagulls was ninth place in 2022 but he joined Chelsea just months later in the September.Potter had replaced Thomas Tuchel, just a season after the German won the Champions League at Stamford Bridge.But Potter was axed seven months into the job with Chelsea left sitting in 11th.The striker dropped the bombshell in an unauthorised interview after being exiled by new gaffer Amorim.He told journalist Henry Winter: “For me, personally, I think I’m ready for a new challenge and the next steps.”When I leave it’s going to be, ‘No hard feelings.'”You’re not going to have any negative comments from me about Manchester United. That’s me as a person.”If I know that a situation is already bad I’m not going to make it worse.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I’ve seen how other players have left in the past and I don’t want to be that person.”When I leave, I’ll make a statement, and it will be from me.”Graham Potter’s managerial careerA brief look at Graham Potter’s managerial career to date…2008 – 2011: Leeds Beckett University Carnegie2011 – 2018: Ostersund 2018 – 2019: Swansea City2019 – 2022: Brighton and Hove Albion2022 – 2023: Chelsea More

    • 238 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Graham Potter confirmed as new West Ham boss after 21 months unemployed as Julen Lopetegui sacked in brutal statement

      by

      GRAHAM POTTER has been confirmed as West Ham’s new head coach following a 21-month break from football.The 49-year-old replaces Julen Lopetegui, who was dismissed by the Hammers on Wednesday after just six months in the job.Graham Potter has been announced as the new West Ham managerCredit: PAJulen Lopetegui was sacked on WednesdayCredit: PAHe has signed a two-and-a-half-year contract with the clubCredit: ReutersAnnouncing Lopetegui’s departure, a statement from West Ham read: “The first half of the 2024/25 season has not aligned with the Club’s ambitions and the Club has therefore taken action in line with its objectives.”The East London side wanted to line up a suitable replacement before announcing Lopetegui’s departure.Club officials opened talks with Potter this week before quickly sealing a deal.The new head coach has penned a two-and-a-half year contract.Read More in FootballPotter has insisted that his break from the game has been down to him making sure he wanted to wait for the right fit.He said: “I am delighted to be here. It was important to me that I waited until a job came along that I felt was right for me, and equally that I was the right fit for the club I am joining. That is the feeling I have with West Ham United.”My conversations with the chairman and the board have been very positive and constructive, we share the same values of hard work and high energy to create the solid foundations that can produce success, and we are on the same wavelength in terms of what is needed in the short-term and then how we want to move the Club forward in the medium to long term.”West Ham United is a huge club, at the heart of London, with a tremendous fanbase and great support all around the world. I saw the scenes that followed their Europa Conference League victory in 2023 and it was clear that this is a club with everything in place to become consistently successful, both on and off the pitch.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”The club have made a lot of good progress in recent years and ensured there are some very strong foundations in place to build on.”You don’t win a European trophy by fluke – there has to be a good bedrock at a football club for that to happen, and the challenge now is to take that on and build the next steps, to develop a team and a club that the supporters can be proud of.”Graham Potter lands new job as West Ham await decision on whether he will replace Julen Lopetegui as manager Lopetegui v Potter: The statsGraham PotterCareer win rate: 38.6 %Games managed: 440 gamesPremier League win rate: 28.3 %Honours: Swedish Cup Winner (2016/17)Clubs managed: Ostersund, Swansea, Brighton, ChelseaJulen LopeteguiCareer win rate: 54.9%Games managed: 419 gamesPremier League win rate: 34.4 per centHonours: Europa League (2019/20), U19 & U20 EurosClubs managed: Rayo Vallencano, Spain Youth, Porto, Spain, Real Madrid, Sevilla, Wolves, West HamHe will take charge of his first match this Friday when the Hammers face Aston Villa in the FA Cup third round.Prior to his appointment, Potter had been out of work since April 2023 – when he left Chelsea following a poor run of results.He was dismissed by the Blues just seven months into his time at Stamford Bridge.Prior to his stint with Chelsea, Potter spent three years with Brighton.The ex-defender has also managed Swansea, Ostersund and Leeds Carnegie.Potter will have to juggle his West Ham job with a new role at the Professional Footballers’ Association.The former Chelsea boss joined the PFA Business School this week as course co-director for the certificate in Football Psychology, Emotional Intelligence and Leadership.Potter takes over at West Ham with the club 14th in the Premier League table.His first Prem match at the London Stadium will be a derby clash with Fulham next Tuesday.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe is expected to name former Stoke City manager Narcis Pelach as a first-team coach at the club.Bruno Saltor will also join Potter as his assistant and Billy Reid as another first-team coach. More

    • 263 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Graham Potter to appoint former Championship manager to West Ham staff just 13 days after he was sacked from last job

      by

      GRAHAM POTTER will appoint a recently sacked Championship manager to be in his staff at West Ham.The former Chelsea boss is expected to be named as the new Hammers manager today.Graham Potter is expected to be named the West Ham managerCredit: AFPNarcis Pelach will arrive a coach despite being sacked by Stoke City in DecemberCredit: RexPotter, 49, arrives at the London Stadium as the successor to Julen Lopetegui.The Spaniard was sacked after just seven months in charge of the club.He only won six of his 20 Premier League games leaving the club in 14th place in the table.Lopetegui’s backroom staff have also left the club, with only goalkeeping coach Xavi Valero remaining.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLPotter will therefore name Narcis Pelachone of his first-team coaches at the club.The Spaniard has previously coached at the likes of Huddersfield Town and Norwich City.The 36-year-old landed his first managerial job in England in September as he was appointed Stoke City boss.However, he was axed just 13 days ago, on December 27, after winning just three of his 19 matches in charge.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe also had time as a player and played for the likes of Spanish sides Cassa, Manlleu, Palamos and Figueres.Pelach’s playing career came to an early end as he retired at the age of just 27.Graham Potter lands new job as West Ham await decision on whether he will replace Julen Lopetegui as manager West Ham’s first game without Lopetegui in charge will come against Aston Villa in the FA Cup on Friday night at Villa Park.Potter will have to get to work quickly in order to steady the sinking West Ham ship.The club forked out £127.5million in the summer on stars such as Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Max Kilman and Crysencio Summerville.But results on the pitch have gone backwards from the time under David Moyes.Potter will also have to find a way to get the team firing without talisman captain Jarrod Bowen.The England international is currently sidelined with a fractured foot and is not expected back until February at the earliest.Lopetegui v Potter: The statsGraham PotterCareer win rate: 38.6 %Games managed: 440 gamesPremier League win rate: 28.3 %Honours: Swedish Cup Winner (2016/17)Clubs managed: Ostersund, Swansea, Brighton, ChelseaJulen LopeteguiCareer win rate: 54.9%Games managed: 419 gamesPremier League win rate: 34.4 per centHonours: Europa League (2019/20), U19 & U20 EurosClubs managed: Rayo Vallencano, Spain Youth, Porto, Spain, Real Madrid, Sevilla, Wolves, West Ham More