West Ham United Have Ruled Out Move to Appoint Former Chelsea Manager | OneFootball

West Ham Cool Interest in Frank Lampard as Board Weighs Alternatives

Board’s Reluctance to Approach Lampard

West Ham United have decided against pursuing Frank Lampard as a potential replacement for Graham Potter after sounding out the Coventry City manager, according to Pete O’Rourke of Football Insider. Intermediaries had made contact with Lampard’s camp before Coventry’s shock 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest, but the move has now been deemed unlikely.

As O’Rourke revealed, “Hiring Lampard would be a controversial decision amongst the fans, and the board have been deterred from approaching him, with that move now considered unlikely.” With the London Stadium atmosphere already tense and protests planned against the club’s hierarchy, the board is keen to avoid a decision that would further inflame supporter unrest.

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Alternative Options Under Consideration

West Ham are continuing to assess alternatives should they part ways with Potter. Ipswich Town boss Kieran McKenna and former Nottingham Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo are both understood to be on the shortlist. Football Insider previously revealed that McKenna had been spotted in the West Ham boardroom during their defeat to Spurs, sparking speculation that he could be the front-runner.

Speaking on the Inside Track podcast, O’Rourke explained, “West Ham are doing their homework on potential managerial alternatives to Potter. I think if West Ham do decide to pull the trigger on Potter and look for a change, they’ll need to find somebody who can galvanise the fan base right now because that’s another big issue.”

Growing Pressure on Graham Potter

Despite holding the backing of the board for now, Potter is under growing scrutiny following a run of poor results and fan dissatisfaction. Former Hammers scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that the club is asking “serious questions” about Potter after the 3-0 defeat to Spurs.

With protests planned before upcoming fixtures against Crystal Palace and Brentford, West Ham’s leadership is eager to ensure they have a succession plan in place if results do not improve quickly. “It’s going to be a big job for Potter if he is going to turn things around,” O’Rourke added, underlining the pressure on the current manager to steady the ship.

Balancing Stability and Supporter Sentiment

This is a pivotal moment for West Ham as they balance on-field performance with supporter sentiment. The club cannot afford to make a managerial appointment that would divide the fan base further. McKenna’s rise with Ipswich and Nuno’s Premier League pedigree give the board credible options that might provide a fresh start without reigniting historical grievances.

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For West Ham fans, the decision not to pursue Lampard feels like the right call. Many supporters still remember his departure as a player and the bitterness that lingered after his move to Chelsea. Bringing him back, especially in such a critical moment, would have felt like the board ignoring the supporters once again.

There is already significant unrest, with protests planned and boycotts being discussed, so choosing a manager capable of uniting the fan base is essential. Kieran McKenna is an exciting name and his success at Ipswich has shown that he can implement a progressive playing style and develop young talent. Fans might welcome a younger, forward-thinking coach rather than someone with a mixed Premier League record.

Nuno Espirito Santo is a steadier option with top-flight experience, and while he might not excite everyone, he could bring structure and defensive stability. Either way, the key priority must be reconnecting the club with its supporters. A misstep now could deepen the divide at the London Stadium.