Brighton manager Potter delighted to have veteran striker at Seagulls this year
BRIGHTON head coach Graham Potter insists it was a “nobrainer” to keep Danny Welbeck at the AMEX Stadium this season.
The 31- year- old England forward was one of the key components of the Seagulls’ surprise 2- 1 victory at Manchester United last Sunday to kick off the season.
Welbeck, an ex- United striker, led the line brilliantly as the visitors picked up their first win at Old
Trafford in the Premier League. By PAUL THOMAS
There were plenty in the home ever a time he thought Welbeck seats who wished he was still would depart. wearing a red shirt. “It was a no- brainer to me
Such was the impression because of what he brings on and Welbeck made, former United off the pitch. captain Rio Ferdinand said he “He is as impressive off the pitch could have been playing for the as he is on it so when you have got hosts instead and asked why they that then you realise that is a had not moved to sign him when his Brighton deal expired at the valuable asset. end of last season. “I have always kept it quite
Brighton, however, exercised simple with Danny. their right to extend Welbeck’s “If he is playing and he is stay on the south coast by at least enjoying his football and he’s fit another year and Potter is then everything else takes care of delighted to have retained the itself.
Premier League and FA Cup “Then you can see his quality winner. and then you can see what he
“I didn’t have any doubts, no,” brings to any team so it is really he replied when asked if there was exciting for us, the level he is at, and the job now is to keep him at that level.”
Enjoying
Potter may have stopped short of calling for Welbeck to earn an international recall, having picked up the last of his 42 England caps almost four years ago while playing for Arsenal, but does believe he is in fine form.
“That noise, it is either positive or negative,” he said of the recent praise.
“You prefer it to be positive but Danny is old enough and wise enough to know not to get too carried away with that.
“He has had a lot of ups and downs in his career, especially recently, so he is just enjoying the moment, he is present with the team, wants to help the guys and is enjoying his football and long may that last.
“I think it’s just for me to say that Danny Welbeck is probably in the best condition he has certainly been in since I’ve been working with him, is enjoying his football.”