Key Points
- Tony Cottee predicts West Ham United will maintain faith in Graham Potter until the November international break.
- Cottee identifies the upcoming fixture against Crystal Palace as a crucial test for Potter’s tenure.
- Cottee criticises West Ham’s ownership and board decisions, highlighting erratic management and insufficient long-term planning.
- He describes the move from Upton Park to London Stadium as a significant mistake undermining home advantage.
- Cottee voices concern about West Ham’s poor start to the season and defensive frailties, particularly around new goalkeeper Mads Hermansen.
- West Ham’s internal disunity and lack of investment are seen by Cottee as major problems.
- The former striker cites failure in recruitment and managerial appointments, calling for a structural reset of the club.
- Cottee refers to the fan unrest and poor atmosphere at home games, including a recent mass early exit by supporters against Tottenham.
What is Tony Cottee’s prediction on Graham Potter’s future at West Ham?
As reported by Lewis Wilkinson of Hammers News, Tony Cottee believes that West Ham United will keep Graham Potter in charge at least until the November international break. Cottee’s prediction suggests that despite the mounting pressure on Potter due to poor results, the club’s hierarchy will hold off on any decision to sack him for now. This timeframe implies that Potter’s future will be closely linked to the outcomes of a series of key fixtures leading up to that point, with the possibility of reassessment when the next international break arrives.
Which fixture does Tony Cottee highlight as key for Graham Potter?
Tony Cottee specifically pinpoints the upcoming fixture against Crystal Palace as an important moment for West Ham and Graham Potter. Speaking on talkSport on 15 September, Cottee said that West Ham must go and beat Crystal Palace to help steady the ship. He regards this game as pivotal given West Ham’s struggles at the London Stadium and the recent poor run of form. The result of that fixture could influence the timeline of Potter’s fate at the club.
What criticisms does Tony Cottee make about West Ham’s ownership and management?
Cottee delivers a scathing critique of West Ham’s ownership and football board, emphasising the erratic and flawed nature of their decisions over recent seasons. Speaking to Football Insider, Cottee described the club’s leadership as lacking football knowledge and handing out millions on players who do not meet the required standards. He said there is “no structure and no business plan” for football at West Ham, accusing the board of making impulsive managerial appointments and lacking any long-term vision.
He referenced the dismissal of former manager David Moyes and the controversial appointment of Julen Lopetegui as examples of poor decision making. Cottee asserted: “They seem to only have a weekly plan. Certainly not a 10-year plan, a five-year plan or even a two-year plan.” He opined that the failures are structural, extending beyond just the current on-pitch troubles.
Why does Tony Cottee view the move to the London Stadium negatively?
Tony Cottee has been vocal about the negative impact of West Ham’s relocation from Upton Park to the London Stadium in 2016. Cottee told West Ham Zone on 15 September that despite the stadium being impressive and having a larger capacity, it lacks the hostile atmosphere that gave West Ham a home advantage at Upton Park. He believes West Ham effectively “lost ten points a season” by moving because the intimidating environment that once rattled opposing teams is gone.
Cottee described the London Stadium crowd as “friendly” and “neutral,” making it almost too inviting for away teams, which undermines West Ham’s chances of winning at home. He candidly stated: “It’s hard, it’s really hard. It’s such a great stadium, but you just feel when it’s football, the fans, especially with the older ones, they can’t get their head around it”.
How does Tony Cottee assess West Ham’s recent on-field performances?
Cottee is markedly concerned about West Ham’s poor performances at the start of the season. The club suffered heavy defeats, including to Chelsea and Sunderland, which exposed significant defensive weaknesses. New goalkeeper Mads Hermansen has already come under scrutiny, adding to the growing concerns around the team’s solidity.
Cottee highlighted issues such as the squad’s ageing profile, lack of investment, and player unrest, for example the clash between captain Jarrod Bowen and fans following a League Cup defeat at Wolves. Overall, he warned about the possibility of West Ham slipping into a relegation battle, describing it as a “serious” risk if improvements are not made soon.
What does Tony Cottee say about West Ham’s recruitment and managerial appointments?
Cottee sharply criticises West Ham’s transfer strategy and hiring decisions. He said in Football Insider: “They’ve spent millions of pounds on players who aren’t good enough” and lamented the lack of a coherent football business plan. He branded the appointment of the previous manager Julen Lopetegui as “ridiculous,” viewing it as symptomatic of broader erratic decision-making by those running the club.
His calls for a reset extend beyond the football pitch, urging that change must come in the ownership and boardroom for West Ham to progress. Cottee stresses that “there’s no structure” to the club’s vision, which is a fundamental problem hindering success.
How is fan sentiment and atmosphere affecting West Ham according to Cottee?
Fan dissatisfaction has been rising, with many supporters frustrated by the team’s performances and club governance. Cottee referenced a recent incident where many West Ham fans left the London Stadium early during a 3-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur, describing this as a “wake-up call” for the club. He believes West Ham need to return to basics and rebuild their squad to restore belief and atmosphere at home matches.
What is the overall verdict on Graham Potter’s position at West Ham?
While Tony Cottee acknowledges the problems facing Graham Potter, he believes the manager will be given time at least until the November international break before any drastic action is taken. However, the pressure is mounting amid poor results, questionable ownership decisions, and a lack of clear identity on the pitch. The fixture against Crystal Palace looms as a potential turning point.
