West Ham United have announced Graham Potter as their new manager following the departure of Julen Lopetegui earlier this week.

The 49-year-old former Brighton and Chelsea boss has signed a two-and-a-half-year contract with the club. Potter takes charge with the Hammers sitting 14th in the Premier League, seven points clear of the relegation zone, after securing just six league wins this season.

“I am delighted to be here. It was important to me that I waited until a job came along that I felt was right for me, and equally that I was the right fit for the club I am joining,” Potter told the club’s website.

“That is the feeling I have with West Ham United. My conversations with the chairman and the board have been very positive and constructive.

“We share the same values of hard work and high energy to create the solid foundations that can produce success.”

Potter also emphasised his alignment with the club’s short-term needs and long-term vision, stating, “We are on the same wavelength in terms of what is needed in the short term and then how we want to move the club forward in the medium to long term.”

This marks Potter’s return to management after his dismissal from Chelsea in April 2023. Despite an underwhelming tenure at Stamford Bridge, where he oversaw a record £323 million transfer outlay, Potter previously impressed during his three-year spell at Brighton, guiding the Seagulls to a ninth-place Premier League finish in 2022.

Potter’s managerial career has also included stints at Ostersunds FK and Swansea City. He was briefly linked to the England national team role before Chelsea hired him as Thomas Tuchel’s successor.

Potter’s first challenge as West Ham manager will be their FA Cup third-round match against Aston Villa on Friday, followed by a Premier League clash at home against Fulham on Tuesday.