Potter leads contenders as axe falls on Carvalhal

GRAHAM Potter is a leading contender to become the next Swansea City manager after Carlos Carvalhal’s departure was confirmed yesterday.

Potter, 42, is currently in charge of Swedish club FK Ostersunds, who he has taken from the fourth tier to the top-flight and European football.

He recently guided them to the last-32 of the Europa League, beating Galatasaray, drawing with eventual winners Atletico Madrid and defeating Arsenal at the Emirates as they lost on aggregate to the Gunners.

WalesOnline revealed last week that Potter was expected to be approached having been spoken to over a position on the Swansea coaching staff a handful of years ago, and since being interviewed for the top job.

He was won no shortage of admirers for his work in Sweden and his innovative and energising approach could mark a welcome return to a positive on-field style that has faded over three consecutive battles with relegation.

Former Crystal Palace boss Frank de Boer is reportedly another frontrunner.

The Dutchman was spoken to by Swansea in the wake of Paul Clement’s departure, but was thought to have preferred the option of taking a new job in the summer in the wake of his exit from Selhurst Park.

Given his short periods at Inter Milan and then Palace, a move to a club in the Championship may prove more appealing that it would first appear for a man who counts Ajax and Barcelona among the teams he played for.

Brentford’s Dean Smith and Swans’ Under-23’s boss Cameron Toshack are also being considered, but former Wales boss Chris Coleman is believed to have distanced himself from the job.

Swansea face a testing summer with a big turnover of players expected and changes likely in the structure of the club’s recruitment system, and the appointment of a manager is seen as a priority as that process gets under way.

While there will be no rush to make an appointment, with Swansea mindful of the need to find the right man after sacking managers midway through each of the last three seasons, it is hoped to happen reasonably quickly.

Carvalhal, 52, left the club after the decision was taken not to take up the option to extend his contract.

He had at one stage looked set to lead Swansea to another great escape after taking five wins from his first nine games, but the Welsh club took just three points from their final nine fixtures to end up in the bottom three.

In a statement, Carvalhal said: “It has been a big pleasure to manage Swansea City, and I am very grateful for the way not only the club, but the city welcomed me.

“I must thank the supporters. They were absolutely fantastic during my time here

“While Swansea and myself will go in a different direction, I wish the club all the best. I am sure I will be a Jack forever.”

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