Darren Bent believes former West Ham midfielder Gary O’Neil should be a contender to replace sack-bound Graham Potter at the London Stadium.

Graham Potter’s time in East London has been a complete disaster, despite seeming to sort the defence out last season, the attack suffered. And not only has the defence got considerably worse this season, the attack has been even worse. Three defeats by more than three goals already this season says it all really, it’s time for Potter to go.

While there has been no reliable talk of Potter getting the sack just yet, over the International break, Football Insider exclusively revealed that West Ham have sounded out Frank Lampard to replace Potter as manager, while Ipswich Town boss Kieran McKenna was reportedly spotted in the West Ham boardroom before Saturday’s match.

However, former England and Aston Villa striker believes the man the Hammers should target to take over is former Wolves and Bournemouth boss Gary O’Neil. Speaking on talkSPORT, Bent tipped Nuno Espirito Santo to get the job after being sacked from Forest, but he also believes O’Neil could be the one they need.

Bent said: “We’re fans of Gary O’Neil. Where’s he gone? Where’s he going to go? Yeah, I mean, he could be in the mix there. He played for West Ham, I think he ticks it [the box].”

The 42-year-old played in east London between 2011-2013, he became familiar with what it means to play for the Iron and was a favourite of the fans. Not only would him returning to the club be a good story, it also could keep us up, O’Neil managed to steer a poor Bournemouth side away from relegation to a respectable 15th after another former Hammers midfielder, Scott Parker left the Cherries in relegation danger.

O’Neil would be a better fit for West Ham than Graham Potter is, I feel like he’d be able to command the dressing room better. However, we need someone who won’t let the players perform how they have been so far this season to turn our season around and unfortunately Gary O’Neil probably isn’t that man either.