Next West Ham manager: Nuno Espirito Santo, Gary O’Neil and contenders to take over if Graham Potter is sacked | OneFootball

Club considering potential replacements for Potter after poor start to the season

Pressure is building on Graham Potter at West Ham following their 2-1 defeat to Crystal Palace.

The club have already started the process of identifying potential replacements for Potter if he is sacked, with both long-term and short-term appointments being considered.

Here, Standard Sport assesses who is in the frame...

Nuno Espirito Santo

Nuno Espirito Santo is the favourite following a successful stint at Nottingham Forest.

He left the City Ground on acrimonious terms but his time at Forest will be remembered fondly, having guided them to seventh place and European qualification last season.

Nuno Espirito Santo left Nottingham Forest this month

AFP via Getty Images

His counter-attacking style would represent a change in tact for West Ham, but one that could suit them as they try to stave off the threat of relegation.

Of the options available, Nuno is probably the most appealing after taking Forest from relegation contenders to Europe during his 21 months in charge of the club.

Slaven Bilic

A short-term option which is unlikely to do much to quell supporter unrest, Slaven Bilic has been out of work since leaving Saudi Pro League side Al-Fateh in August 2024.

His last job in England was a 26-game spell at Watford two years ago.

While a fan favourite following stints at West Ham as both a player and a manager, there would be little cause for optimism were he to be appointed.

Slaven Bilic has not managed in England since a 26-game spell in charge of Watford in 2022-23

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The club are considering a short-term appointment until the end of the season, with their Premier League status under increasing threat.

Many would see Bilic, though, as a step backwards.

Gary O’Neil

Another former West Ham player, Gary O’Neil, has been out of work since he left Wolves last December.

He is had decent spells with Bournemouth and Wolves but streaky form during his time at both clubs means there are still questions around his credentials.

Gary O’Neil has been out of work since leaving Wolves last December

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Having turned around the fortunes of Bournemouth, who were nailed on for relegation before his arrival in November 2022, O’Neil has proven he can guide a team away from the drop.

O’Neil, whose struggles with set-pieces at Wolves will concern West Ham, revealed during the summer that he was ready to step back into management.

Sean Dyche

Dyche has forged a reputation as a manager who can deliver immediate results for teams under threat of relegation.

His stock took a hit during his time at Everton, where a successful but uninspiring style of football eventually led to him being sacked.

But Dyche is still highly respected and has a proven track record of making his teams hard to beat. That will appeal to West Ham who have conceded 13 goals in five games.

Michael Carrick

Michael Carrick, who came through West Ham’s academy, enjoyed plenty of plaudits for his work at Middlesbrough before his departure this summer.

Middlesbrough were on the cusp of the play-offs throughout his time in charge, though failure to secure promotion to the Premier League was a disappointment and ultimately led to him being sacked.

A risky appointment given West Ham’s situation, but one with exciting long-term potential if he can keep the Hammers up.