West Ham Considering Two Former Premier League Managers to Replace Graham Potter | OneFootball

West Ham Eyeing Bilic and Nuno Amid Potter Pressure

West Ham United are facing yet another managerial dilemma, with Graham Potter under growing scrutiny after a dismal start to the season. As reported by The Guardian, “West Ham will consider turning to Slaven Bilic if they sack Graham Potter, who is under growing pressure after a poor start to the season.”

The Hammers have slipped into the relegation zone after losing four of their first five matches. Alarm bells are ringing in the boardroom, although David Sullivan, the club’s largest shareholder, is said to be holding back from making an immediate change. Even so, contingency planning is firmly under way.

Bilic’s Familiar Connection

Slaven Bilic is no stranger to the West Ham hot seat. His managerial spell between 2015 and 2017 included memorable highs, such as guiding the club to seventh in their final campaign at Upton Park with Dimitri Payet dazzling supporters. As The Guardian reminds us, “Bilic’s connection to West Ham goes back to his days as a player. The former defender’s first season as the manager was the club’s last at Upton Park.”

Though his second season unravelled into a battle against relegation at the new London Stadium, Bilic never lost affection for the club and has reportedly remained open to a return. His CV since includes spells in Saudi Arabia, Croatia, and promotion-winning success with West Bromwich Albion.

Nuno and Other Candidates in Consideration

Another name on the shortlist is Nuno Espírito Santo, who was only recently dismissed by Nottingham Forest after a breakdown in relations with Evangelos Marinakis. He remains a respected figure, having led Wolves to European football and delivered Forest into Europe just last season. Whether Nuno is prepared to step back into Premier League management so swiftly remains uncertain.

Photo: IMAGO

Sean Dyche has also been linked, although Sullivan is believed to favour unemployed managers, making Bilic the more straightforward interim choice.

Recruitment Concerns Fuel the Debate

Potter could point to squad-building challenges beyond his control. “Potter could argue that years of poor recruitment before his appointment have made his task more difficult,” wrote The Guardian. This summer saw Mohammed Kudus depart for Tottenham, with the club largely forced into a sell-to-buy strategy.

Questions are also being asked about Potter and recruitment chief Kyle Macaulay’s decisions, particularly their pursuit of Leicester goalkeeper Mads Hermansen. As The Guardian highlighted, “West Ham have struggled to defend set pieces, with Hermansen failing to command his area.” With upcoming fixtures against Palace, Everton and Arsenal, such weaknesses risk becoming even more costly.

Future Hinges on Stability

Potter’s fate may not rest solely on the Crystal Palace result, but the wider picture leaves his position fragile. With protests growing against the board, and the threat of another relegation battle looming, Sullivan and his team face a decision that could shape West Ham’s immediate future.

Bilic offers familiarity, passion and past success, while Nuno carries recent European experience. What is clear is that patience at board level and in the stands is wearing thin.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

As West Ham supporters, we have grown weary of these constant managerial resets. Graham Potter was meant to usher in a new era after David Moyes, but the numbers tell their own story. Thirteen defeats in twenty-four matches is unacceptable, and fans cannot ignore the slide towards relegation. The frustration at board level mirrors what we feel on the terraces, especially with years of poor recruitment compounding the mess.

Bringing back Slaven Bilic feels like a return to identity. He understands the heartbeat of the club, he gave us memorable nights at Upton Park, and he would command respect straight away. Short term, he could stabilise us, but long term the board must finally build with a clear plan, not simply patch up with familiar faces.

Nuno Espírito Santo also intrigues. He brought structure and discipline to Wolves and knows how to compete in Europe. If he is ready to take the job, he could offer a balance between tactical nous and steady hands. The problem is that the club seems to lurch from one plan to another without clarity.

Ultimately, our loyalty to West Ham demands accountability. The board cannot keep repeating mistakes, the recruitment strategy needs fixing, and the manager must be given players who can execute his vision. For now, Bilic feels like the heart’s choice, while Nuno could be the strategic one. Either way, we simply cannot afford another relegation scrap.