WE MUST CHERISH THE POTTER GOLD HERE AT SEAGULLS
BRIGHTON fans should be seriously grateful Graham Potter is installed as their manager – long term.
Rest assured, there would be a whole clutch of rival outfits chasing the Seagulls boss, who has another four years to run on his deal, were he suddenly on the market.
The message to Potter doubters comes from Albion favourite Bob Booker, who spent six years in the south coast club’s dugout from 2000 to 2006.
Now a regular matchday ambassador, Booker was as surprised as anyone last month when Potter hit out at some home fans booing the team following a 0-0 draw with Leeds.
However, the former Brighton assistant manager, who had two spells as caretaker boss, enjoyed that rare show of public emotion from Potter – and was fully supportive of his stance.
Booker, 63, said: “I have been in Graham’s shoes, standing on the touchline when things aren’t going well – and you get it in the neck. Unfortunately, that’s the nature of the business.
“So, it was great to see him let out a bit of passion and put his point forward. He’s normally so calm. I can’t imagine he’s one to throw teacups around.
“We know it’s a results game. Whether Graham Potter or Jose Mourinho, if you’re near the bottom, not winning games, we know what happens next in the modern game.
“Everyone said, ‘Blimey, he’s on a six-year contract’, but the club have stuck by him because they have a plan and believe in him.
“If Graham became available tomorrow there would be loads of clubs wanting to snap him up.
“Fans are entitled to their opinion but I speak to some of the players and they are just so into Graham.
“They respect him and buy into what he’s doing.”
Part of the negative reaction from the stands was a direct result of Brighton’s best ever start.
The Seagulls were in the top four in October before a big dip saw them slide to 13th.
Booker said: “We’re in a good position at Christmas. Yes, we’d like a couple of wins to boost us again but they will come.”