It is Premier League form on which Potter will ultimately be judged and the 49-year-old’s task between now and the end of the season will be to deliver enough of an upturn in results and performances to suggest the club have got their choice of David Moyes's successor right at the second time of asking.

West Ham had 'reached agreements in principle' with Galtier and Fonseca if Potter rejected the chance to replace Lopetegui. The English tactician was the Hammers' 'first choice', and the 49-year-old has since highlighted how he had waited for 'the right job' after his Chelsea sacking over 18 months ago.

The former Brighton and Chelsea boss was named as Julen Lopetegui's successor this morning, signing a two-and-a-half-year deal with the club