West Ham United’s board have faced significant criticism for the way they handled the recent managerial changes, with Andy Dunn of the Daily Mirror accusing the club of acting with “minuscule class” in the wake of Julen Lopetegui’s sacking and Graham Potter’s appointment as head coach. Potter was officially confirmed as the new manager on January 9, 2025, with a contract running until the summer of 2026, but his arrival has been overshadowed by the bizarre and somewhat unsavoury manner in which Lopetegui was dismissed.

While the decision to part ways with Lopetegui was not unexpected, especially given the struggles the club had faced under his management, the timing and execution of the sacking were highly questionable. On the very day that Lopetegui was let go, he was still conducting training with the team, which added a layer of confusion and embarrassment to the situation. The lack of communication and the manner in which Lopetegui was informed of his dismissal seemed to reflect poorly on the club’s hierarchy, with many questioning the professionalism of the process.

In his column, Andy Dunn took aim at West Ham’s board for what he deemed a lack of class in how they handled the transition between managers. He pointed out that, while Potter had spoken positively about the club, calling it “massive” due to its ambition, squad, academy, and passionate supporters, the way the club managed the change of leadership was far from reflective of those qualities. Dunn argued that West Ham’s actions in sacking Lopetegui and appointing Potter were executed in a way that undermined the “massive” reputation the club had worked hard to cultivate, and that it was a “massive club” that had fallen short in terms of dignity during the managerial shift.

While the decision to replace David Moyes last season had its fair share of controversy, there was no major backlash from supporters, with a split between those who felt Moyes should stay and those who thought it was time for a change. The situation with Lopetegui, however, was different. There was a widespread consensus that his appointment had been the wrong call from the start. The Spaniard was given more time than many felt he deserved, but when the decision to sack him finally came, the execution was off. Lopetegui’s sacking, Dunn noted, was “completely the wrong way to go about it,” and the lack of respect shown in how the process was handled left a bad taste.

This unsavory dismissal of Lopetegui not only made the entire situation awkward but also inadvertently tainted the arrival of Graham Potter. Dunn suggested that while Potter’s appointment is a fresh start, the way it unfolded has made it less impressive than it could have been. The saga has taken some of the shine off Potter’s new role, leaving the club in a somewhat unseemly position as they begin a new chapter.

For Potter, this situation presents both an opportunity and a challenge. While he has been handed a multi-year contract, he now needs to quickly unite the squad and get the fans back onside. The club’s supporters, who have been through a lot of managerial changes and drama over the past year, will be watching closely to see if Potter can bring stability and success. His ability to navigate the internal dynamics of the club, heal the wounds caused by Lopetegui’s sacking, and get the team playing to their full potential will be crucial in determining whether his tenure at West Ham will be a success or merely another chapter in the club’s troubled managerial history.

As West Ham moves forward under Potter’s leadership, the board will need to ensure that they handle future decisions with more care and professionalism. While Potter may be seen as the right choice to guide the club, the damage caused by the manner in which Lopetegui was dismissed is something the club will need to work hard to overcome. The next few months will be critical as Potter works to prove himself and restore faith in the club’s leadership.