West Ham United could be on the brink of another managerial shake-up, with reports suggesting that former boss Slaven Bilic is being lined up for a dramatic return should current manager Graham Potter face the sack. The news has sent shockwaves through the Hammers’ fanbase, stirring up memories of Bilic’s previous spell at the London Stadium.
Graham Potter, who took over with high expectations due to his reputation for progressive football at Brighton and his brief stint at Chelsea, has struggled to inspire consistency at West Ham. Despite a talented squad boasting the likes of Jarrod Bowen, Lucas Paquetá, and James Ward-Prowse, results have been underwhelming, and pressure from supporters has begun to mount. The board is believed to be growing increasingly concerned about the club’s direction, with whispers that patience may soon run out.
Slaven Bilic, who managed West Ham between 2015 and 2017, remains a popular figure among many fans. During his tenure, he delivered memorable moments, most notably guiding the club to a seventh-place Premier League finish in their final season at Upton Park. That campaign also featured a string of unforgettable results, including victories over Arsenal, Manchester City, and Liverpool. Bilic’s charismatic leadership and emotional connection with the club left a lasting impression, despite his eventual dismissal after a poor run of form.
Since leaving West Ham, Bilic has gained further experience across Europe and the Middle East, with stints at West Bromwich Albion, Al-Ittihad, Beijing Guoan, and most recently, managerial work in the Championship. His availability and history with the club make him an attractive option for the board if they decide to move on from Potter.
For many supporters, the potential return of Bilic represents both excitement and nostalgia. While some question whether going back to a former manager is the right step forward, others believe his passion and understanding of West Ham’s culture could reignite the team’s spirit.
As the pressure builds on Potter, all eyes will be on the coming fixtures. A string of poor results could see the board act swiftly, paving the way for Bilic to make a shock return and attempt to steady the ship once again at the London Stadium.