The FA makes official decision ahead of Aston Villa vs West Ham ahead of FA Cup clash

West Ham prepare for their first game under new manager Graham Potter after he was officially appointed as the new Hammers boss following Julen Lopetegui’s sacking on Wednesday.

The former Brighton and Chelsea boss will be keen to prove himself against Villa, and hopes he can turn West Ham’s fortunes around after one win in their last five matches.

Lopetegui was sacked after a poor first-half of the season, following consecutive defeats to Liverpool and Manchester City, in which, the Hammers conceded nine goals, scoring just once. Following a period of almost two years out of management, Potter signed a two-year contract at the London Stadium, having had other chances to land a new job at the likes of Leicester City, Ajax and AC Milan. He had also previously been linked with the Crystal Palace job.

The Hammers face a Villa side who beat Midlands rivals Leicester City 2-1 in their last game, and currently sit six places, and nine points ahead of West Ham in the Premier League table. Potter will hope to improve his side’s fortunes in the FA Cup, as last season, they got knocked out at this stage to Championship side Bristol City, following a 1-0 defeat in a replay fixture.

Potter speaks out after Hammers arrival

On why he decided to join West Ham, Potter said: “I’m very excited to be here, and very proud to be the Head Coach of this amazing Club. There’s a big tradition here, big history and expectation, and it’s going to be a big challenge, but at the moment I’m just really excited. It feels like Christmas Day! I didn’t have the best night’s sleep last night, because of the excitement, but now I’m really looking forward to meeting the players and the supporters, and just to get going.

“It’s been a break of 20 months, and I’ve enjoyed a good break and a good rest. As you can imagine, during that time you speak to lots of people, but it was important I chose the right option for me, at the right time, and as soon as I spoke to this Club, it just felt right for me. It was a combination of factors, rather than one specific thing. I spoke to the board, and to other people connected to the Club, and I looked at the squad and the Academy, and it just felt right. Everyone I’ve spoken to has been really positive, and I’ve been impressed with their ambition, professionalism, and their desire for the Club to improve and work together as a family. As I said, I’m delighted to be here at a tremendous Club with fantastic people and a passionate fanbase, and I just feel that it’s a perfect fit.”

FA make referee appointments ahead of West Ham’s trip to Villa Park

The FA have appointed Tim Robinson as the referee for the game on Friday night. He has officiated three games so far this season, including two Premier League matches.

Robinson has handed out eight yellow cards in the three games, he was last seen as a fourth official during Tottenham Hotspur’s 1-0 win against Liverpool in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night. Timothy Wood and Steven Meredith have been appointed as Robinson’s assistants for the game. Wood and Meredith have both been assistants in nine games so far this season. They have worked together twice.

Bobby Madley has been appointed as the fourth official, he has been a referee in 17 games this season, with 15 of those being in the Championship. Madley has shown 62 yellow cards and one red so far this season. He was last seen as a fourth official in a Premier League game between Bournemouth and Everton last week.