The English coach has signed a two-and-a-half-year contract with the Hammers to replace Julen Lopetegui - who was sacked on Wednesday (08.01.25) after just six months in charge.

Potter said: "It's a proud day to be head coach of this amazing club, big tradition, big history, big expectations, big challenge.

"I'm really excited, it's a bit like Christmas – Christmas for the adults.

"I'm looking forward to meeting the players today, meeting our supporters and getting going."

It is Potter's first managerial post since he was sacked by Chelsea in 2023 and he was determined to choose the "right option" when it came to selecting his next job.

He said: "It's been 20 months of a good rest, a good break and you can imagine in that time you speak to lots of people. Lots of conversations with different owners and different directors.

"But it was important that I chose the right option for me at the right time and as soon as I spoke to this club, it just felt right for me.

"It's an amazing club with a tremendous, loyal fanbase that is passionate, knowledgeable, knows their football and what they want. I think it's a good fit.

"My experience is that if you can build a team that is recognisable on the pitch, that the supporters identify with, are proud of and enjoy watching and you get that trust and connection between the players and the supporters, with everybody aligned, that's the key."

Potter lasted just seven months at Chelsea but considers himself to be a "better coach" for his bruising experience at Stamford Bridge.

Asked if he has something to prove at his new club, he said: "When I hear [Pep] Guardiola say he's got something to prove then we all have.

"In professional sport, you've got something to prove every day, it drives you forward.

"I'm comfortable with who I am, what I've done and clearly no one's perfect, life is about taking the successes and accepting the setbacks and defeats.

"I think I'm a better person and a better coach for the experience."