Karren Brady explains why Graham Potter is the perfect man for West Ham despite missing out on FA Cup start
Graham Potter had a difficult debut as West Ham head coach in their FA Cup defeat to Aston Villa.
The hammers They took the lead after nine minutes thanks to Lucas Paquetá, but lost 2-1 in the third round tie at Villa Park in a controversial second half.
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Amadou Onana equalized in the 71st minute with a close-range shot after a controversial corner that sparked protests from West Ham.
Referee Tim Robinson awarded the set piece after believing that a shot by Boubacar Kamara had been deflected by one of the visiting players.
However, replays show that this was not the case and therefore the call was incorrect, with Morgan Rogers scoring. villas second just five minutes later.
West Ham's defeat is their second in 2025 and comes a day after advertised potter as successor to Julen Lopetegui.
The 49-year-old has been out of work since leaving Chelsea in April 2023 but signed a two-and-a-half-year deal at the London Stadium.
Potter returns to the Premier League with a club that is seven points above the relegation zone despite a summer of big spending.
Vice-chairwoman Karren Brady has revealed why West Ham decided to sign him despite his long absence from the side.
“In Graham Potterhave He recruited another very good man,“he said in a column for the sun.
“A highly respected elite Premier League coach and someone who was the unanimous choice of our board of directors to take our project back in the right direction.
“From our first conversations with Graham, we have had the overwhelming feeling that he is the right candidate for West Ham United, as we are for him.
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“As Graham himself has said, since he left Chelsea 20 months ago, you were waiting and carefully considering the right opportunity, searching for the challenge and project that would rekindle the feeling of excitement and anticipation that would inspire your return to senior management.
“We are delighted that, despite being highly sought after by some of Europe's biggest clubs, he has discovered that feeling at West Ham United.
“Graham understands and shares our principles: that hard work, togetherness and commitment create progress and success. He was attracted by our ambitious project and the steps we are taking to achieve our goals.
“And it has found common ground with the core values that our fans and the people of East London hold dear: a family culture, a sense of belonging to a clear identity and a dedication to hard work and craft.
“Modern East London is a thriving and exciting center of innovation combined with tradition. A creative center of opportunity and chance, especially for young people.
“Graham has already spoken with Mark Noble about his desire to get involved and maximize the talent of our world-renowned Academy, something that is deeply ingrained in the fabric and soul of our club.
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“As Graham has demonstrated throughout his successful coaching career thus far, he is adept at building strong foundations and creating a culture of unity, spirit and trust so that, regardless of the outcome of a single 90-minute football match, everyone are connected to the equipment. The club feels part of something bigger and more meaningful.
“Of belonging to an identity that continually fosters pride, honor and belief. We believe that there are adequate foundations for more success in the future at West Ham United.
“Just 18 months ago we enjoyed European glory and while that night in Prague will never be forgotten, there is a genuine and fierce hunger at this club to ensure we continue to work as hard as possible to build and create more highlights. memories.
“Graham Potter shares that ambition. That is why we did not hesitate to offer him a two and a half year contract, and why we firmly believe that we have appointed not only a good man, but the right man for West Ham United.“
Potter's first Premier League game as West Ham manager will be at home to Fulham on Tuesday.
They will then face Crystal Palace before another trip to Villa, who are now in the fourth round of the FA Cup.
