Potter didn’t want Hearts relegation

JOHN POTTER has witnessed first-hand how boardroom battles can affect relegation and promotion, so knows better than most not to get involved in football politics.

But, on the pitch, the Hibs assistant admits he would miss the Edinburgh derbies if Hearts are forced out of the Premiership.

After starting off at Celtic, Potter joined hometown team Dunfermline, where he won promotion to the Premier League whilst rivals Falkirk were denied their place in the topflight because of stadium rules.

At next club Clyde, in 2004, their First Division title hopes were dashed on the final day of the season when ground criteria would have denied them promotion anyway.

Then, four years later, Gretna’s financial implosion eased the relegation pressure on St Mirren, who ended up finishing third bottom in the top-flight.

Back with Dunfermline, Potter subsequently suffered relegation to League One after being plunged into the play-offs following a 15-point penalty for going into administration.

But the 40-year-old has onfield reasons for hoping Hearts are still in the Premiership next term.

He said: “I can sympathise with clubs up and down the divisions.

“In my own career, there’s been loads of different things have happened and it’s tough.

“You feel for clubs who look like being relegated when the season’s not over.

“What I will say is I don’t think there’s an easy answer, it’s a first for everybody.

“For me, you want Hearts in the top league, you want to be playing them.

“The two games we had – both very different – are my only two experiences of the game, but these are the occasions you look forward to.”