(Football news) Graham Potter hasn’t had a job since the West Londoners fired him in April 2023, less than seven months into his tenure as manager of the team.
Potter was the first manager hired at Stamford Bridge during the Todd Boehly era, although the American and fellow co-owners Clearlake Capital did not find the record of 12 wins, 8 draws, and 11 losses in 31 games across all competitions adequate.
Potter, the former manager of Brighton & Hove Albion, has been linked to numerous managerial openings throughout Europe since the beginning of the year. It is said that Potter has rejected offers from teams like Ajax and Lyon.
Potter is now believed to be one of several names on a lengthy list of targets for the Football Association as they hunt for a new England manager to fill the void left behind by Southgate, whose resignation was confirmed just two days after the Three Lions’ Euro 2024 final defeat to Spain.
According to reports Chelsea will pocket a windfall worth up to £1m should England decide to appoint Potter as their new manager.
The report adds that Potter was earning £200,000 per week at Chelsea, who are obliged to still pay the Solihull-born boss his salary until October, but the wage they currently pay Potter would be deducted from the amount the Blues owe if he becomes Three Lions manager in the near future.
What does the future hold for Potter?
Potter was awarded an honorary doctorate at Leeds Beckett University earlier this week and was later questioned by reporters over his future in management.
Although Potter refused to be drawn on speculation, he has confirmed that is “ready and really excited” about a return to management after holding talks with numerous clubs during his time away from the game.
“I spoke to lots of teams and lots of clubs but it was recognising that journey [he had been on as a coach] was a long journey, a tough journey,” Potter said. “Unless the right opportunity came along I wasn’t rushing to go back into football. It had to be right for me.
Potter ‘ready for the right opportunity’
“I spoke to a few clubs but it wasn’t the right thing. It was important I was patient and waited for the right opportunity and took the time with the family to reflect and think about what I wanted to do. Now I’m in that good place where I’m happy to be ready and looking forward to the next challenge.”
Potter added: “I’ve had a great break. The journey from where I started to where I finished doesn’t come for free. Moving three countries, with a young family and all that comes with being a football manager.
“It was important for me to take a break, reflect and re-energise. It was a good time to look at other things, other sports, other teams and visit places. I feel really ready, really excited to be back when the right opportunity comes.
“I feel in a really good place, all the experiences I’ve had have made me a better person, a better coach. Good and bad. The Chelsea experience was a fantastic experience for me even though it didn’t end how I wanted it to end. Now it’s a case of onwards and upwards.”
Potter is believed to be one of three Englishman at the top of the FA’s wishlist along with Newcastle United’s Eddie Howe and Three Lions Under-21s boss Lee Carsley, while a number of foreign coaches including Thomas Tuchel, Mauricio Pochettino and Pep Guardiola have also been linked with the England vacancy.
Also read: England can get a WC winning manager as the search continues
