THE MAGIC OF HAIRY POTTER
Bearded boss in big demand
GRAHAM POTTER is firmly established as one of the Premier League’s best young managers, his name regularly appearing on the shortlist when jobs crop up.
Such as when Tottenham were searching for a new boss after the sacking of Nuno Espirito Santo in early November.
The same Tottenham where Potter will take his Brighton side on Saturday night in the FA Cup fourth round, looking for a win and another landmark moment in his career.
But Potter, 46, regularly has to make it clear he is happy at the Amex because the set-up on the Sussex coast makes it one of the best-run clubs in the top flight with a perfect environment for success.
Calm yet passionate owner and chairman Tony Bloom has invested heavily and overseen the move into a stadium worthy of embracing the club’s strong fanbase.
Technical director Dan Ashworth has been targeted by Newcastle because of the job he has done at Brighton to keep everything running smoothly from boardroom to dressing room.
And the highly-respected Paul Barber as deputy chairman and chief executive is one of the best and most experienced in his role in English football.
The connection between club and community has been strengthened through Covid times and it is the perfect platform for a manager.
Outside Manchester City and Liverpool, it is hard to think of a better-run club.
The set-up would not fall apart even if the manager left because the coaching vision, scouting and football departments are in unison.
Potter would struggle to have it as good anywhere else and that resonates through to the players who are now enjoying arguably the club’s best season in the top flight since promotion back in 2017.
Former Ostersunds and Swansea boss Potter had a journeyman career as a player – but his innovative coaching keeps players motivated... and he always tries to play attractive football.
It would take one hell of an offer to tempt him to leave now. And when you consider his calm personality, understated but thoughtful manner, it is no wonder he is building a reputation as the perfect long-term successor to England manager Gareth Southgate.
Brighton have become known for using a back three.
But the formation and systems have become more fluid this season and if they were more prolific in front of goal they would undoubtedly be higher up the table.
Right-back Tariq Lamptey says: “We’re all comfortable with what the manager has to tell us.
“We all listen to him and respect him a lot. He gives us enough tools that we need so we can go out there and perform to the best of our abilities.
“He makes sure we’re good off the pitch first and then that we understand what to do on the pitch. He’s a great guy.”
Adam Lallana, playing some of his best football in years, said: “I’ve loved every minute of it as much as I did my time at Liverpool.
“It’s obviously a different football club with different challenges, different goals.
“But that doesn’t mean I’m not enjoying the journey as much.”
Brighton are ninth in the Premier League and now chase a place in the FA Cup fifth round – playing good football, always trying to improve and with Graham Potter at the heart of a heart-warming success story.