With question marks hovering above the managers of several Premier League clubs, former Chelsea and Brighton manager Graham Potter could soon be a man in demand once more.
There was scepticism when Potter was brought in to replace the old school ways of Chris Hughton, who had guided Brighton to their first ever FA Cup final and kept them afloat in the Premier League. However, it proved to be a masterstroke, with Potter recording famous wins over Arsenal and Manchester United among others.
He also blooded players such as Alexis MacAllister, Moises Caicedo and Benjamin White and Leandro Trossard among others. In his final weeks as Brighton manager at the start of last season, he won at Old Trafford and had Brighton sat in fourth place.
It was inevitable that the goliaths of the Premier League would soon seek Potter’s services. He replaced Thomas Tuchel at Chelsea in September 2022, but could not arrest the Blues' slide down the table, and was relieved of his duties just seven months later.
Potter has not reportedly been close to joining anywhere else since, and notably declined Leicester City’s advances at the end of last season, in what was ultimately a lost relegation battle.
But with doubts over the futures of several high-profile PL managers, Potter may make a return to the dugout sooner than many think.
Graham Potter next club betting – Latest odds
West Ham 11/4
David Moyes has overseen the Hammers’ best times in recent memory, with fifth and sixth placed Premier League finishes, prior to the club winning their first European trophy last season after a dramatic late 2-1 win over Fiorentina in the UEFA Europa Conference League final.
But there is an acceptance that Moyes may not be the man to lead the Irons forever, as there are reports that his deal will not be extended beyond this season, with the desire for tactical evolution part of West Ham's longer-term agenda.
Based on what he did at Brighton, Potter would be just the man to transform the Hammers into a more modern side. Plus he would likely have a larger transfer war chest to draw upon.
That said, Potter would also have some stiff competition for the West Ham hotseat.
Manchester United 4/1
Erik ten Hag had an impressive first season at Manchester United, leading the club back into the Champions League with a third placed finish and a Carabao Cup to boot.
Things have not gone so smoothly the second time around. United sit five points outside the top four already, and seem likely to find themselves crashing out of the Champions League in the group stage.
Serious questions are being asked of his recruitment with key picks of his such as Mason Mount, Antony and Andre Onana, plus even Casemiro, as the Brazilian’s form has taken a steep dive.
United are likely in need of a rebuild, and as mentioned earlier, Potter has done that before. He also has the personal skills to help restore the confidence of strugglers Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford.
There may be some hesitation from both parties, given Potter’s nightmare experience at Chelsea, but he will have learned from his mistakes and will be determined to prove the doubters wrong.
England 7/1
An outside call is Potter for England. Reports suggest that Gareth Southgate and the FA may mutually part ways after EURO 2024. Potter may appreciate the slower pace of international management after his spell in the Chelsea pressure cooker, and could bring the more expansive style of play supporters have called for.
