West Ham United manager Graham Potter has weighed in on the upcoming fan protests against the club’s owners, majority owner David Sullivan and vice-chair Karren Brady. The protests are scheduled to take place before Saturday’s home match against Crystal Palace, with fan group Hammers United leading the charge.
Fan Unrest
- West Ham fans are planning not one, but two protests against Sullivan and Brady on Saturday, with thousands expected to attend.
- The protests are in response to the club’s poor performance, perceived lack of ambition, and the owners’ perceived disconnect from the fanbase.
- Hammers United has vowed to make this the start of a season-long series of demonstrations ¹.
Potter’s Comments
- Potter emphasized the importance of unity and shared goals between the fans, players, and board, but also acknowledged the need for the owners to listen to fan criticism and consider areas for improvement.
- In his press conference, Potter stated, “Everybody wants West Ham to do well… We have to try to stick together… But at the same time, you have to hear when there’s criticism, when there’s feedback, you have to hear that as well, listen to that and think about how you can improve.”
Potential Consequences
- The fan protests may put additional pressure on the club’s owners and board, who have already faced criticism for their handling of the club.
- Potter’s own job security remains uncertain, with speculation surrounding potential replacements, including Nuno Espirito Santo, Kieran McKenna, and Slaven Bilic ².
