Potter spell beginning to work magic

GLENN MURRAY says Brighton is a seat of learning – and Patrick Vieira would do well to follow his lead.

The former favourite at both clubs – a feat in itself given the animosity between the two sets of fans – believes that Graham Potter (above) is proving the ideal headteacher.

Brighton have made the Premier League sit up and take notice after four wins in their first five outings.

And while that may not make not one jot of difference against the Eagles tomorrow, Murray says the example is a blueprint for success.

He said “The main thing Graham has done is change the culture – it’s a real learning environment.

“It sounds cheesy but it is a brilliant place to go to work. Football clubs can be stuck in the past with older players being a little bit hostile. They can be brutal sometimes.

“Graham has created a workplace of fun and laughter. It’s very harmonious and he’s done it through encouragement.

“For example, in his first year, we would be losing games and I’d be frustrated. But we were playing well.

“Graham would come into the dressing room afterwards and he’d say, ‘You did well today boys, keep doing what you’re doing...’ I was looking at him thinking, ‘We lost’.

“I was part of the older generation with the mentality of, ‘It doesn’t matter how we played, we’ve lost’.

“I saw kids coming into the first team. I thought to myself that they would think it was OK to lose and the manager was happy. But he could see the bigger picture.

“You can see his whole philosophy at the final whistle. If you look at him after the match, you’ll see him going on to see the players and then coming off happy.

Fantastic

“I think the way he has progressed the club is incredible.

“To take us from what the club was to where it is now with a limited budget is fantastic.”

Murray, who only retired this summer, said the rivalry between the two clubs was ‘unique’ and that it should be held up alongside any derby in the country.

He is expecting Vieira to come good at Selhurst, and says that he has been handed a blank sheet of paper to work from – unlike Potter.

He added: “Vieira has been blessed with a squad that’s young, energetic and mouldable. He can do what he wants with them.

“Graham had an experienced, resolute team – but managed to make the transition work.

“We are starting to see the fruits of his labour.”