Graham Potter says 'no ceiling' to West Ham ambition if club is aligned ahead of first home game against Fulham

Graham Potter will step out at the London Stadium as West Ham manager for the first time on Tuesday when his side face Fulham in the Premier League, live on TNT Sports and discovery+. Ahead of the game, Potter sat down with TNT Sports to explain why he believes the club will have "no ceiling" to its ambition, as well as discussing potential January signings and Michail Antonio's recovery.

Potter feels West Ham should not have a ‘ceiling’ – ‘We should have ambition’

Video credit: TNT Sports

Graham Potter believes there will be "no ceiling" to West Ham’s ambition if everyone works together to build a successful side.

The former Brighton manager was appointed as Julen Lopetegui’s successor last week with West Ham languishing in mid-table obscurity.

His tenure began with a 2-1 defeat away to Aston Villa in the FA Cup on Friday, but Potter does not have to wait long for a chance to right those wrongs when Fulham visit for his home debut on Tuesday in the Premier League – live on TNT Sports and discovery+.

World Cup Qualification UEFA

Potter named Sweden manager after being sacked by West Ham

20/10/2025 at 10:18

West Ham go into the game in 14th place, with just one win in their last five league games, but Potter was optimistic about what the future holds when asked if there is a ceiling for the club this season.

"I don’t like the ‘ceiling’ phrase. We should have ambition," Potter said in an exclusive interview with TNT Sports.

"We have a fantastic club here with great support, great people, a supportive board and ownership, a talented group of players.

‘Doesn’t get much better than this’ – Potter ‘really excited’ for first home match as West Ham boss

Video credit: TNT Sports

"We have to think about how we bring all that together, how we align that. How does the team play, how does the team identify with this great support we have, how do we connect and build trust there.

"That’s the start point and if you have that, then there’s no ceiling, because there is power in that. But it’s easy to talk about it, it’s a lot harder to do. That’s where the work is and that’s what we have to start with."

Potter’s arrival coincides with the January transfer window and an opportunity to immediately make his mark by making changes to his squad.

The manager would not give much away on what was to come on the transfer front, but refused to rule out some deal-making in the next couple of weeks before the deadline.

"I think there’s scope. There’s always scope, and there has been great support," he said.

"The trick is to identify and choose the right one at the right time, for the right price etc. But in terms of scope, absolutely. But it’s January and it’s complicated.

"The thing for me is to concentrate on the team, the players we have and the environment. That will be the foundation for how we work going forward and the success we’re going to have. That’s the main focus."

Potter open to January transfers but admits market is ‘complicated’

Video credit: TNT Sports

'No problem' with demanding fans

The visit of Fulham in a London derby will be a challenging task for Potter on his home debut.

Marco Silva’s side are enjoying an impressive season and sit seven points ahead of West Ham in the table in ninth place.

Potter will hope to make an immediate impact in front of his home support, and was quizzed on how prepared he feels to face the demands of the West Ham fanbase.

"I think that’s part of the benefit of such a passionate support base, and one that knows its football and is knowledgeable," he said.

"I have no problem with that at all. It’s not about me; it’s about the club and the team. My job is to try and help the team identify with what the supporters want and deliver that product, if you like.

"Winning football matches with a team that they recognise with a personality and character, humility and hard work."

Antonio in a ‘good place’ and ‘happy with progress’ after car accident – Potter

Video credit: TNT Sports

One player Potter has to do without is striker Michail Antonio, who is recovering from a scary car accident in December.

The 34-year-old said he was "grateful for being alive" after spending more than three weeks in hospital and undergoing surgery on a broken leg.

Potter has been impressed with Antonio’s attitude as he focusses on getting back on the pitch.

"He’s doing his rehab, I’ll see him next week and I spoke to him this morning," Potter said.

"He’s in a good place; I think he’s happy with how his progress is going. It’s surprising.

"Obviously when you know him and his character and personality, it’s not surprising, but the most important thing is he’s well and on the road to recovery.

"We’re going to do everything we can to help him with that and we’re looking forward to seeing him."

How to watch West Ham United v Fulham

TNT Sports is available across all major TV platforms, offering a line-up of up to four TV channels (TNT Sports 1, TNT Sports 2, TNT Sports 3, TNT Sports 4), and up to six digital or red-button channels (TNT Sports 5 to 10), and TNT Sports Ultimate plus TNT Sports Box Office HD.

West Ham United v Fulham will be live on TNT Sports 4 with coverage from 18:30 UK time on Tuesday, January 14, ahead of kick-off at 19:30.

You can subscribe to TNT Sports through discovery+, BT, EE, Sky, and Virgin Media.

Stream the 2024-25 Premier League live on TNT Sports and discovery+

Premier League