Graham Potter says it feels "a bit like Christmas" after being appointed as West Ham's new head coach.

The former Chelsea boss was officially announced as Julen Lopetegui's successor on Thursday after widespread reports he was the favourite for the job following the Spaniard's dismissal on Wednesday.

He has penned a two-and-a-half-year contract with the Hammers, who are struggling in the Premier League, sitting 14th having earned just 23 points from 20 games so far this season.

West Ham were originally tipped to be in the race for European football under Lopetegui but fell short. Potter is now excited about the challenge ahead of him.

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

"I'm really excited, it's a bit like Christmas. Christmas for the adults, not the best of sleeps last night but just from the excitement. Really looking forward to meeting the players, meeting the supporters and just getting going.

"It's been 20 months, 20 months of a good rest. In that time, you speak to a lot of people. Lots of conversations with different owners, different directors. But it was important I pick the right option for me at the right time. 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 the football and knows what they want."

Potter putting pen to paper pic.twitter.com/By1RZrPOqb
— West Ham United (@WestHam) January 9, 2025

It is Potter's first managerial role since being dismissed by Chelsea in April 2023 after just seven months in charge.

The 49-year-old won just 12 of his 31 games in charge of the club (38.7% win rate), having previously led Brighton to a ninth-place finish in the Premier League in his last full season at the club.

Asked If he had something to prove after his short time at Chelsea, Potter added: "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."

Potter's first game in charge of West Ham will be against Aston Villa in the FA Cup third round on Friday.