Graham Potter’s job is hanging in the balance at West Ham.
After a nightmare start to the 2025/26 season—four defeats in five Premier League games, a cup exit to Wolves, and growing discontent in the stands—the manager is under extreme pressure.
Speculation over his future has been rife, with names like Nuno Espirito Santo, Slaven Bilic, and Scott Parker all floated as potential successors.
However, according to fresh reports, Sporting Director and club legend Mark Noble has added two more surprise names into the mix.
Noble’s Choice for Next West Ham Manager Revealed
Respected journalist Graeme Bailey, speaking to Hammers News, has revealed that Michael Carrick has been internally discussed at West Ham following Noble’s recommendation.
“West Ham are exploring options from Slaven Bilic and Nuno, but others too,” Bailey explained.
“Plenty of names are being put to the club’s hierarchy and Scott Parker is one of those. He is a player with history at West Ham and they do respect the work he has done in recent years as a manager. He can’t be totally discounted.
“But there are others. I understand Mark Noble likes Parker, but has also pushed the cases of the likes of Frank Lampard and Michael Carrick.”
Lampard is likely a non-starter, not only because of the work he is currently doing at Coventry City but also due to his controversial move to Chelsea as a player—a decision that would not sit well with many West Ham fans.
Carrick, however, would be a very different proposition.
The former Hammer, who also became a legend at Manchester United, is currently a free agent after leaving his role at Middlesbrough. He also briefly served as caretaker manager at Old Trafford before Ralf Rangnick was appointed, and his reputation as a bright young coach remains intact.
Whether the board would take the gamble on a relatively inexperienced manager in the middle of a relegation battle remains to be seen. But with Noble’s influence behind the scenes, Carrick’s name is one that could gain traction in the coming weeks if results continue to spiral under Potter.
