West Ham sack boss Julen Lopetegui after days of speculation
Hammers have held talks with Graham Potter about replacing Lopetegui
EFL Cup semi-final first leg: Spurs host Liverpool (20:00 GMT)
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How about the mighty Betway Cup? Invented and hosted by West Ham every year, only one other club invited each year, and we still lose more often than we win!
Tom
We can't talk trophies without mentioning the mighty Zenith Data Systems cup. Aren't Forest still the holders?
Steve, Lincoln
Thanks Dad... I mean Ed!
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This is a fantastically entertaining live feed on BBC Sport this morning, getting me through a drab morning in the work office (again), please keep it up everyone! It's greatly appreciated.
Ed, Staffs
Two great texts!
Time for some public-service journalism. Paul, Bristol Rovers beat Sheffield United 7-6 on penalties in 1972.
Henry, I like your thinking. Reminds me of the Portsmouth FA Cup record holders fact.
If you know, you know.
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Watched Bristol Rovers win their only major trophy in my lifetime - the incomparable Watney Cup by beating (I think) Sheffield United in the early 70s
Paul
It's not that niche trophy but I think it's time to mention that Brighton are the only team to win the charity shield without winning the FA cup or League (in 1910) I think that makes them the only true holders of the trophy.
Henry, A Brighton fan
Maybe me and Rob were right. And the other 8,316 of you were wrong.
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Sorry Newcastle fans, but the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup was not an 'open' competition so is not recognised by UEFA or any football governing body. So, 1955 it is. That said, I really hope you win the Carabao Cup this year!
Rob from London
Harry Redknapp
Former West Ham manager on BBC Radio London
Former West Ham manager Harry Redknapp has spoken to BBC Radio London about Julen Lopetegui's expected dismissal.
"It's disrespectful [from West Ham] no doubt about that. If you want to get rid of him, you call him and say 'I'm sorry it's not worked out'... obviously talks have been going on with Graham Potter. He seems to be the number one target.
"But it's not an easy place to manage West Ham. The expectation there is very high. So whoever goes there, not only do they have to produce a winning team, they've got to produce a team that plays what West Ham fans see as 'the West Ham way'."
Sam is determined we don't let Mikel Arteta off the hook.
OK, how about we have three main themes for the next hour or so?
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Loving all the talk about the ‘major’ trophy honours. But we need to talk again about the absolute farce that is blaming a ball for a lack of finishing? Like champions league week, you train with that ball? So there can be no excuses. Awful deflection tactic.
Sam from Bournemouth
Thought we weren't talking about European trophies?!
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Then there was the glory of the Anglo-Italian Cup of course. With the Heysel ban in place, Notts County's 2-1 win in 1995 against Ascoli meant they held the honour of being the last English club to win a (erm) 'major European trophy' for 4 years.
Fen
Cheers Raymondo. David Moyes managed the club for five years during his second spell. That's actually mightily impressive in today's Premier League.
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As a very old school West Ham supporter I don't like the idea of changing managers every five minutes, but the Lopetegui appointment was the wrong decision. No plan, no identity, and shocking results. Our goals against column is relegation level. It's been a disaster. The club have managed the situation poorly, but if we are getting Graham Potter today we can at least hope for something better.
Raymondo
Good morning to all those just joining us!
West Ham have cancelled their manager's press conference today, heightening rumours that Julen Lopetegui is about to be sacked.
We're also reacting to Newcastle's EFL Cup semi-final first-leg win over Arsenal, and Gunners boss Mikel Arteta blaming the defeat on the match balls used.
And one of our live-texters has made a complete fool out of themselves by mixing up the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup and Intertoto Cup, but we're not talking about that.
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Assuming Newcastle were having the same 'problems' with the ball that Arsenal were, if they weren't they might have scored 5 or 6. Alternative 'reason' for Arsenal not scoring - their boots didn't fit properly?
Jill P
BBC 5 Live Breakfast
The Athletic's West Ham United reporter, Roshane Thomas, speaking to 5 Live Breakfast about Julen Lopetegui's future and the club reportedly holding talks with Graham Potter: “I believe West Ham’s handling of this has been really poor.
"In the 2011-12 season, they wanted Martin O Neill to replace Avram Grant and in the end, Martin O Neill turned it down because of the leaks.
"It seems Graham Potter is more inclined to accept the role but I don’t think West Ham are covering themselves well. Especially if you consider that Lopetegui is grieving the loss of his father."
On whether the fans will welcome Potter: "It’s a bit like when the main teacher’s away and the supply teacher comes in and everyone treats it like a free lesson. That’s how it feels under Lopetegui. He’s lacked that authority.
"Someone like Graham Potter is good at building clubs. He’ll come with a point to prove at West Ham. And the fans will want to see that.
"It’s definitely time for a change in personnel."
Simon Stone
BBC Sport's chief football news reporter
West Ham's decision to not hold a press conference comes amid an expectation manager Julen Lopetegui will be dismissed today.
Graham Potter has been in talks to replace Lopetegui, initially on a short term deal.
West Ham are due to play at Aston Villa in the FA Cup on Friday.
Image source, Getty ImagesWest Ham have struggled since Lopetegui replaced David Moyes as manager over the summer.
The Hammers are 14th in the Premier League table after 20 games with 23 points, and have won just three of their nine league fixtures since the November international break.
It looked as though Lopetegui's race was run last month, but a 2-1 win against Wolves on 9 December bought him some time.
West Ham took five points from the three games that followed, but then suffered 5-0 and 4-1 defeats to Liverpool and Manchester City respectively.
Lopetegui's side have conceded three or more goals in six games this season, not ideal for a team that struggles to score goals.
I can only apologise.
Shall we move on and never bring this up again?
