Graham Potter has officially signed a contract to become the new manager of West Ham United, succeeding Julen Lopetegui, who was dismissed after a disappointing run of results. Potter, who returns to management nearly 20 months after his sacking from Chelsea, is poised to take the helm just in time for an FA Cup third-round match against Aston Villa. The club has scheduled a press conference for Thursday morning to introduce Potter to the media and fans.

Potter's appointment comes at a crucial moment for West Ham, who are in need of stability following Lopetegui's departure, which has left the team in a precarious position. His previous experience and reputation for fostering a progressive style of play are expected to resonate well with both the club's ownership and its supporters. However, Potter faces an immediate challenge with a demanding schedule ahead, including several London derbies that will test his ability to instill a winning mentality in the squad.

The club's sporting director, Tim Steidten, will also be under scrutiny following the managerial change, especially given the significant financial investment made in the summer transfer window. As Potter settles into his new role, all eyes will be on how he navigates the upcoming fixtures and whether he can rejuvenate West Ham's campaign while also managing the expectations of fans and stakeholders alike.