Since Graham Potter’s arrival at West Ham, there is no denying the feel around the club has certainly been lifted despite the manager only winning one of his first five games.
Potter has been immediately thrown into a difficult situation, joining a side low on confidence with numerous first-team players injured, meaning the boss hasn’t had much to work with in terms of team selection.
West Ham fans have been understanding of the situation he’s been thrown into however, and he is certainly becoming favoured amongst supporters for the attitude he has brought to the club since joining.
This attitude which is being appreciated by Hammers fans was epitomised by a photo that recently emerged (below) of the gaffer and first-team coaches Billy Reid and Narcis Pelach, who were in attendance at West Ham u18s win over Manchester United u18s in the Premier League Cup quarter-final on 4 February.
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Hammers supporters will always have time for managers that put faith in youth players and show interest in their progress, and for Potter and his staff to attend this game highlights how much he values the academy, which is very refreshing to see.
We’ve already seen glimpses of this taking effect in the first team, with the likes of Ollie Scarles and Lewis Orford making multiple appearances under Potter.
Potter’s honesty and analysis of games in his post-match interviews will also make Hammers fans take a liking to the manager, with the 49-year-old often fair and insightful when speaking to the press.
A week break for the Hammers
West Ham don’t play this FA Cup weekend due to their exit in the third round to Aston Villa, and it might fall at the perfect time.
With six first-team players out injured for the side’s defeat to Chelsea on Monday night, fans will be hopeful this week off will mean they see a couple of these faces back in time for the Brentford game on Saturday 15 February.
As much as the Hammers would love to still be in the FA Cup, in what will be the longest gap between games Potter’s had since joining the club, it feels like this could certainly be of benefit to the players and the coaches, giving them a decent length of time to work together and for Potter to get a greater understanding of his team.
This time off will also allow new man Evan Ferguson to settle into the side and integrate with the squad, and West Ham fans will be hopeful they can see their January signing feature in some way against the Bees.
