AHEAD OF THE GAME

POTTER FACES BRIGHTON PROBE

Manager graham Potter faces an inquest from Brighton at the end of the season, even if he succeeds in keeping the club in the Premier League for a fourth season. Owner Tony Bloom is understood to feel Potter, 45, has underperformed over this campaign, given the amount of money he has invested in the squad. Brighton are now in a relegation battle, although last weekend’s comprehensive win over newcastle bolstered their survival prospects.

Bloom showed his ruthless side when sacking Chris Hughton the day after the season finished two years ago. Brighton had secured safety with two games to spare, and also reached the Fa Cup semi-finals. While Potter’s job is not under immediate threat, he will be asked to detail how he plans to take the club forward. Potter has four years left on his contract and still enjoys the support of chief executive Paul Barber, which is likely to count in his favour.

WAYNE ROONEY’S relationship with Derby owner Mel Morris has become strained following the collapse of the proposed takeover by Sheik Khaled earlier this month. The former England captain had received repeated assurances that the sale of the club would go through before he took the manager’s job. The uncertainty surrounding the club’s ownership has added to Rooney’s problems as he battles to keep Derby in the Championship, with four players sold to raise funds during the January transfer window and more likely to leave in the summer if Morris remains in charge. Rooney (above) has also had to contend with players’ grievances at not being paid on time on several occasions this season.